Dawn Bell

I am a biopharmaceutical executive, board director, and former biotech CEO with more than 20 years of experience guiding medicines from development through approval and launch. My career has spanned public, private, and venture-backed companies, where I’ve had the privilege of advancing more than a dozen therapies across cardiometabolic disease, neuroscience, immunology, ophthalmology, and obesity—always with a focus on translating breakthrough science into meaningful patient impact.

 

I’ve held senior leadership roles at companies including Novartis and The Medicines Company, where I helped build and scale medical and launch organizations, supported multiple global product launches, and contributed to the early approval and growth of Entresto® into a multibillion-dollar franchise. I’ve also served as CEO of a venture-backed biotech, raised institutional and non-dilutive capital, co-founded multiple companies, and partnered closely with academic and industry collaborators. These experiences have shaped my ability to operate at the intersection of strategy, execution, and leadership—particularly during the critical transition from R&D to commercialization.

​

Equally important to me is how the work gets done. I come from a working-class family, and learned early that progress is earned through preparation, persistence, and integrity. I’m inspired by underdog stories—especially my own parents’, who overcame significant economic and emotional challenges to build meaningful, successful lives. Their resilience and resourcefulness continue to shape my leadership style: grounded, collaborative, and focused on building teams that win together.

​

I believe strong programs are built early—with clarity, cross-functional integration, and an unwavering focus on patients. I value curiosity, kindness, lifelong learning, and thoughtful problem-solving, and I’m drawn to leaders and teams who are resilient, mission-driven, and willing to do the hard work well.

​

Outside of work, I’m an avid reader (especially serial mysteries), a devoted college football fan, and a lifelong learner inspired by art, history, and human connection. Whether I’m mentoring leaders, advising companies, or helping shape the next generation of therapies, my goal remains the same: to help great science reach the people who need it most.