Cliff Saffron
Roslyn,NY
Summary
Accomplished life science executive with over 30 years of diverse experience seeks a challenging life science position. Prior experiences include: President of an early-stage drug development company, General Counsel of two publicly traded life science companies, partner and life science practice leader at a big four accounting firm, and law firm attorney. Energetic leader and pragmatic problem solver with exceptional judgment and outstanding communication skills. Track record of building and leading life science companies and departments. Respected contributor to senior management teams and a trusted advisor to Boards of Directors. Provided business advice to key functional areas, including R&D, clinical, regulatory, medical affairs, commercial, finance, corporate communications, investor relations, and human resources. Expertise across the entire product life cycle: from pre-clinical to clinical to commercialization.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
President
Varent Life Sciences
10.2018 - Current
- Company Overview: Varent is an early stage drug development company.
- As President of Varent currently leading the following initiatives:
- - Review and evaluation of the product pipeline and intellectual property portfolio.
- - Prioritization of the pipeline compounds for clinical development.
- - Determination of the appropriate clinical development plan (i.e., proof of concept/phase 1, investigator IND, etc.).
- - Assess and select funding options to advance the product pipeline (i.e., direct fundraise at the company level, or co-development, licensing, R&D collaboration, LLC/spinoff, private investor or IPO strategies).
- - Recommended and implemented corporate governance structure including quarterly updates to the board of directors, quarterly board meetings, agendas and minutes.
- Directed strategic initiatives to enhance product development and market expansion.
- Oversaw operational efficiencies, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and standards.
- Fostered partnerships with key stakeholders to drive collaborative research projects and funding opportunities.
- Implemented innovative processes that improved organizational performance and reduced costs.
- Guided cross-functional teams in executing corporate strategies aligned with long-term goals.
- Cultivated a culture of continuous improvement through mentorship and professional development programs.
- Analyzed market trends to inform strategic decisions on product offerings and competitive positioning.
- Championed the adoption of advanced technologies to streamline operations and enhance data management systems.
- Hired and managed employees to maximize productivity while training staff on best practices and protocols.
- Increased customer satisfaction through continuous improvement initiatives and excellent customer service.
- Managed crisis situations effectively while minimizing disruption to daily operations.
- Enhanced company performance by implementing strategic plans and overseeing daily operations.
- Prepared annual budget forecasts and monitored performance to meet organizational objectives.
- Drove revenue growth by expanding product offerings and identifying new market opportunities.
- Cultivated strong relationships with external partners to foster collaboration and maximize resources.
- Established a culture of accountability by setting clear expectations and holding individuals responsible for results.
- Monitored financial performance and implemented measures to enforce compliance with budgetary standards.
- Streamlined organizational processes by evaluating current systems and implementing improvements.
- Inspired innovation by creating an environment that encouraged creative thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
- Delivered operational excellence by optimizing resources, processes, and overall cost structure.
- Developed strong partnerships with cross-functional teams for improved collaboration and efficiency.
- Supported project management team for optimal performance.
- Reduced operational costs through strategic cost management initiatives.
- Launched new products successfully into the market after meticulous research, planning, and marketing campaigns.
- Built a diverse workforce through targeted recruiting efforts focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.
Principal Life Sciences
KPMG LLP
06.2005 - 09.2018
- Transformed a one-dimensional consulting practice to a profitable, full service consulting practice that provided business, operational, strategy, risk and compliance services to the life science industry; from global manufacturers to emerging biotech companies.
- Engagements included current state assessments, implementation of future state recommendations, identification of operating efficiencies, cost saving initiatives, organizational review and realignment, and strategic vendor selection, contracting and implementation.
- Services spanned the product lifecycle; from the clinical development stage through commercialization and post commercialization.
- Recruited, trained and led a team of 25 high performing professionals that provided a broad range of services to commercial, finance, clinical, medical affairs, legal, compliance and internal audit functions.
Senior Vice President and General Counsel
ImClone Systems, Inc.
02.2002 - 02.2005
- - Member of the senior management team that oversaw the transition of a high-profile company in crisis to a profitable, fully integrated biopharmaceutical company.
- - Regular interaction with the Board of Directors, including attending and presenting at board meetings.
- - Planned and oversaw the implementation of corporate governance initiatives mandated by NASDAQ, SEC and Sarbanes-Oxley, including code of business conduct and ethics, complaint hotline, corporate governance policies and procedures, board committee charters, disclosure committee charter and insider trading policy.
- - In depth understanding and application of key facets of FDA regulation, including NDA and BLA submissions and approval processes, manufacturing facility approval, safety issues, and sales and marketing activities.
- - Ensured industry specific adherence to reporting obligations under the securities laws including the disclosure of information relating to clinical trial results, regulatory developments, manufacturing issues and drug safety concerns.
- - Assisted in the preparation and review of 8-K's, 10Q's, 10K's, annual reports, press releases and other disclosure documents.
- - Negotiated licensing and partnerships agreements and participated in the oversight of strategic relationships with Bristol Myers and Merck.
- - Provided day-to-day legal support to key functional areas including commercial, manufacturing, regulatory, clinical, R&D, finance, corporate communications and human resources.
- - Responsibility for all functions of the Office of General Counsel including corporate, securities, patent, litigation and employment law functions.
- - Day-to-day oversight of class action and derivative litigations and DOJ, SEC, FDA and employment law matters.
- - Developed cost control procedures governing the hiring and retention of outside counsel, including the negotiation of contingency, fixed fee and discounted hourly rate relationships, which resulted in the significant reduction of outside counsel fees and expenses.
Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Secretary
ICN Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
02.1994 - 12.2001
- - Responsibility for litigation and investigations matters.
- - Assisted in the preparation and review of public filings, press releases and other public disclosures.
- - Negotiation of license and distribution agreements.
- - Attended and presented at senior management and Board of Directors meetings.
Litigation Associate
Proskauer Rose
12.1989 - 01.1994
Litigation Associate
Myerson & Kuhn
01.1988 - 11.1989
Litigation Associate
Finley Kumble
10.1985 - 12.1987
Education
Bachelor of Arts - History
Syracuse University
New YorkJuris Doctor -
Touro College - Jacob D. Fuchsberg School of Law
New YorkHobbies and Interests
Family, community service, golf, Syracuse University, New York Rangers
Awards
Anti-Defamation League - 2016 Recipient of the ADL on Long Island Philanthropic Award
Community Service
- Roslyn Public Schools, Vice President and School Board Trustee, 2004-10, Present
- Roslyn Public Schools, Participant and Chairman of the Citizens Audit Advisory Committee
- Engineers Country Club, Trustee and President, 2012, Present
Admissions
- - New York State Bar
- - United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
- - United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York
Timeline
President
Varent Life Sciences
10.2018 - Current
Principal Life Sciences
KPMG LLP
06.2005 - 09.2018
Senior Vice President and General Counsel
ImClone Systems, Inc.
02.2002 - 02.2005
Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Secretary
ICN Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
02.1994 - 12.2001
Litigation Associate
Proskauer Rose
12.1989 - 01.1994
Litigation Associate
Myerson & Kuhn
01.1988 - 11.1989
Litigation Associate
Finley Kumble
10.1985 - 12.1987
Bachelor of Arts - History
Syracuse University
Juris Doctor -
Touro College - Jacob D. Fuchsberg School of Law
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