Oct. 13, 2009 (Business Wire) -- Seattle Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq: SGEN) today announced the appointment of Bruce J. Seeley as Executive Vice President, Commercial. Mr. Seeley brings more than 18 years of experience in oncology drug marketing and sales to the company, most recently from Genentech BioOncology. In addition, the company announced the promotion of Kirk D. Schumacher to Vice President, Legal Affairs and Compliance, and General Counsel.
“Bruce will lead our efforts to build Seattle Genetics’ marketing and sales functions as we position the company for commercial operations, including the planned 2011 product launch of brentuximab vedotin (SGN-35),” said Clay B. Siegall, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Seattle Genetics. “His depth of experience in the commercialization of oncology drugs, including two of the most important therapies for the treatment of cancer, Herceptin® and Taxotere®, will be a tremendous asset to the company. Kirk has been instrumental at Seattle Genetics, including his contributions to several strategic collaborations and equity financings, and his oversight of our legal affairs. Bruce and Kirk will play key leadership roles as Seattle Genetics continues to execute on its corporate goals.”
Bruce Seeley previously worked at Genentech (a wholly owned member of the Roche Group), most recently as Senior Director for Herceptin (trastuzumab) and T-DM1 marketing. His responsibilities included development and implementation of marketing and launch strategies, including product differentiation, pricing, distribution, medical education and promotion. Before that, Mr. Seeley spent four years at Aventis Pharma in increasing roles of responsibility, including Head of New Product Commercialization and Licensing, Global Marketing, Oncology. While at Aventis, he managed the global marketing activities for Taxotere (docetaxel). Mr. Seeley also held various marketing and sales positions at Rhone-Poulenc Rorer and Bristol-Myers Squibb. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of California at Los Angeles.
Kirk Schumacher joined Seattle Genetics in October 2003, serving most recently as General Counsel. Since joining the company, he has participated in the negotiation and completion of multiple corporate alliances and equity financings, first as outside legal advisor and then as internal corporate counsel. Prior to joining the company, Mr. Schumacher was with the law firms of Venture Law Group and Riddell Williams. He received his J.D. from Columbia Law School and a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin.
About Seattle Genetics
Seattle Genetics is a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of monoclonal antibody-based therapies for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune disease.
