Beam Therapeutics has appointed Eric Foster as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). Foster will lead Beam’s commercial organisation and strategy as the company advances multiple product candidates across its haematology and genetic disease franchises toward potential launches.
“Eric is an exceptional biopharmaceutical leader with a proven track record of building high-performing commercial organisations in specialty and rare disease markets,” said John Evans, CEO of Beam Therapeutics. “His decades of commercial leadership are impressive, including spearheading the commercial success of multiple blockbuster rare disease franchises at Horizon Therapeutics during a period of significant growth prior to its acquisition by Amgen. Eric’s experience building strong teams and culture, defining and executing clear commercial strategies, and leading through growth will be invaluable.”
Foster brings more than 25 years of commercial leadership experience across biotechnology and specialty pharmaceuticals and most recently served as CCO at Ardelyx. Prior to that, he was senior VP and US general manager at Amgen following the acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics in October 2023.
At Horizon, Foster was senior VP and general manager of the gout and ophthalmology business units. From 2010 to 2021, he held roles of increasing responsibility in sales and marketing at GlaxoSmithKline across a variety of immunology and rare disease products, including serving as VP of immunology marketing, senior global marketing director and field sales VP. Foster began his career in sales and market access at Johnson & Johnson.
Foster said: “Beam has built one of the most innovative platforms and deepest pipelines in biotechnology, with the potential to redefine how serious genetic diseases are treated. I look forward to partnering with the talented team at Beam to build a leading commercial organisation, establish the capabilities needed to support multiple potential launches and, ultimately, bring these transformative medicines to patients.”