Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Robert Lam is an experienced business development and corporate strategy professional with a strong focus on the life sciences and biotechnology industries. As a Director of Corporate Development, he leverages his expertise in deal-making, strategic partnerships, and operational excellence to drive growth and innovation for leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies.
Experience Summary
Current Roles
Director, Corporate Development at Gilead Sciences (Present)
- Responsible for identifying, evaluating, and executing strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and M&A opportunities to expand Gilead's pipeline and capabilities
- Manage cross-functional teams to conduct due diligence, negotiate deal terms, and ensure successful integration of acquired assets
- Contribute to the development and implementation of Gilead's corporate development strategy, aligning with the company's long-term vision and growth objectives
Director, Business Development at Sana Biotechnology, Inc. (Present)
- Oversee all business development and alliance management activities, including the identification, evaluation, and negotiation of strategic collaborations
- Lead the development and execution of Sana's external partnerships and licensing agreements, ensuring alignment with the company's technology platforms and product pipeline
Director, Business Development at CytomX Therapeutics (Present)
- Responsible for identifying and evaluating potential partnering opportunities, licensing deals, and M&A transactions to expand CytomX's Probody technology platform and product pipeline
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to conduct thorough due diligence, negotiate contract terms, and manage ongoing partnerships
Director of Operations at PureTech Health (Present)
- Optimize operational efficiency and drive strategic initiatives across the PureTech portfolio of early-stage biotechnology companies
- Provide business development support and strategic guidance to portfolio companies, facilitating external partnerships and capital-raising activities
Business Development MBA Intern at Genentech (Present)
- Gained hands-on experience in the evaluation and execution of licensing deals, collaborations, and M&A transactions
- Assisted in the development of Genentech's long-term business development strategy and pipeline expansion initiatives
Career Progression
Prior to his current roles, Robert held various business development and operations positions within the life sciences industry, including:
- Business Development Manager at Amgen Inc.
- Analyst, Strategic Planning and Corporate Development at Pfizer Inc.
- Consultant, Life Sciences Practice at Deloitte Consulting
Throughout his career, Robert has demonstrated a proven track record of successfully identifying, negotiating, and integrating strategic partnerships and acquisitions, contributing to the growth and diversification of his employers' product pipelines and technology platforms.
Academic Background
Robert holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business, where he specialized in Strategy and Corporate Finance. He also earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Biochemistry from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Areas of Expertise
- Mergers, Acquisitions, and Strategic Partnerships
- Deal Negotiation and Contract Structuring
- Due Diligence and Valuation Analysis
- Portfolio Management and Strategic Planning
- Cross-Functional Collaboration and Stakeholder Alignment
- Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industry Dynamics
Professional Impact
- Played a key role in the successful acquisition of Nimbus Therapeutics by Gilead Sciences, a $1.2 billion transaction that expanded Gilead's small molecule drug discovery capabilities
- Spearheaded the negotiation and execution of a multi-year strategic collaboration between Sana Biotechnology and a leading academic institution, accelerating the development of Sana's cell and gene therapy platforms
- Contributed to the expansion of CytomX's Probody technology platform through the establishment of several high-profile partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies
Conclusion
With his extensive experience in corporate development, strategic partnerships, and operational excellence, Robert Lam is poised to drive continued growth and innovation for leading life sciences organizations. His deep industry knowledge, deal-making expertise, and cross-functional leadership skills make him a valuable asset in the ever-evolving biotechnology and pharmaceutical landscape.