He’ll also be a group VP.
(Press Release) Shire Ophthalmics announced the appointment of John Snisarenko as group vice president and head of ophthalmics US Franchise. He replaces Robert Dempsey, who has taken on a leadership role with Shire’s Global business, as vice president and head of Global Ophthalmics.
Snisarenko brings 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device industries, many in ophthalmics leadership positions. He has a proven track record in taking programs from development to successful commercialization, and helping businesses achieve high growth.
Most recently, Snisarenko was vice president of sales and marketing for the rheumatology franchise at Genentech USA, working on blockbuster drugs such as Actemra and Rituxan. Prior to that, he led sales and marketing for Genentech’s USA ophthalmology franchise, where he re-launched the vision for the franchise, introduced the Commitment to Retina initiative, and worked on the blockbuster product Lucentis (ranibizumab injection).
During his time at Novartis Pharma Canada, Snisarenko led the integration of the ophthalmology business from CIBA Vision to Novartis Pharma. He also helped shape Novartis’ long-term strategy and vision in ophthalmics, and led the Canadian launch of the unit’s first bio-pharmaceutical medicine, Visudyne (QLT Inc). At Ciba Vision, he built an ophthalmology business unit and led the commercial activities for the medical device, consumer health and ophthalmic pharmaceutical sectors. He also worked and held leadership positions at Novadaq Technologies, Alcon Canada and Allergan Canada.
“I am joining Shire on the eve of the first anniversary of the ophthalmics franchise first marketed product, Xiidra, whose market performance has exceeded expectations,” Snisarenko said. “I look forward to continuing to build on the successes of the Ophthalmics franchise, including advancing our pipeline and footprint in the eye care space.”