Synergy Pharmaceuticals, a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel gastrointestinal (GI) therapies, has announced that Gary Sender has joined the company as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Sender will be responsible for leading Synergy’s financial strategy and operations, supporting all functions of the organization.
“Gary is a strong leader whose broad experience in small and larger specialty pharmaceutical organizations uniquely qualifies him to lead and build our financial operations as we enter a transformative period in our history,” said Gary S. Jacob, Ph.D., Chairman and CEO of Synergy. “Having previously managed financial planning and analysis and strategic growth initiatives of Shire’s Global Commercial businesses, Gary has a thorough understanding of the exciting opportunities from which Synergy is poised to benefit. I’m confident he can add significant value as we prepare to successfully enter a growing and dynamic GI market.”
“I was immediately attracted to the excitement and energy around Synergy,” said Gary Sender. “The company is approaching a period of immense growth and opportunity with anticipated regulatory filings next year and the commercial launch of plecanatide planned for early 2017. I look forward to working with the Synergy team to successfully execute on these goals and continue to drive significant shareholder return.”
Gary Sender has over 25 years of financial leadership experience in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries, most recently at Shire plc. From 2009-2015, Mr. Sender served as Senior Vice President, Finance supporting its Specialty Pharmaceuticals business and subsequently its Global Commercial businesses. He was responsible for financial management and support of all commercial areas of Shire’s $6 billion Specialty Pharmaceutical and Rare Disease businesses, including the Gastroenterology Business Unit, with an emphasis on resource allocation, financial forecasting, business cases and M&A. Prior to joining Shire, he was the founding CFO of Tengion – a biotechnology company in the field of Regenerative Medicine. Mr. Sender spent 15 years in a number of leadership roles within Merck, including Investor Relations, M&A Finance, Treasury and Divisional Financial Management. Mr. Sender holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance and Information Systems from Boston University and a master’s degree in Industrial Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Finance from Carnegie-Mellon University.