William Heath

William (Bill) Heath, Ph.D. is a pharmaceutical leader with 36 years of broad experience across discovery, development, and commercialization of new medicines in multiple therapeutic areas on a global basis. Over that time, he has demonstrated the ability to lead a variety of collaborations with academic, biotech, CRO/CMO and pharma partners.

Bill received his Ph.D. from The Rockefeller University in biochemistry and performed postdoctoral studies at Harvard Medical School prior to joining Eli Lilly in 1988. During his time at Lilly, he served in both technical and leadership roles where he established a reputation for innovation and strategic thinking across multiple parts of the business.

He was a founding leader of Lilly’s biotherapeutics effort and subsequently led the creation of a strategic platform across discovery, development, and manufacturing, leading to the launch of multiple medicines. Similarly, he was a key leader of Lilly’s effort to streamline and accelerate research and development approaches, making the company an industry leader.

Prior to his retirement from Lilly, Bill was a Group Vice President at Lilly Research Laboratories leading a multi-site global team focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of small molecules, peptides, biologics, and genetic medicines supporting all therapeutic areas. He currently serves as Chief Scientific Officer for Persephoni BioPartners, with a mission to build an efficient, bold, and innovative venture studio that transforms breakthrough science into high-impact biotech companies

As a scientist by training with a broad background in biology, chemistry, and drug development, he has a passion for science and its use to create new medicines that improve the lives of patients around the world. He is also committed to creating an environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and he enjoys coaching and mentoring students, early career professionals, and helping individuals achieve their best throughout their career. He has a strong history of identification and development of top technical and leadership talent.