John Sears, PhD, MBA
Philadelphia,PA
Summary
Dynamic cross-functional expert in life sciences commercial strategy, specializing in lifecycle management (LCM), portfolio development, and global commercialization. Proven track record of identifying growth opportunities and crafting innovative strategies that drive significant revenue impact through effective execution. Strong decision-making capabilities in value maximization and navigating critical commercial milestones, complemented by a talent for integrating diverse stakeholder perspectives. Recognized as an authentic leader and mentor, dedicated to fostering talent development while collaborating seamlessly with R&D, commercial partners and regions for optimal asset transition.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Director, Global Commercial Development, Hematology
CSL Behring
05.2025 - Current
- Lead enterprise strategy for Patient Blood Management (PBM), harmonizing CSL Behring and CSL Vifor strategies.
- Constructed strategic framework for value generation and developed US launch support strategy for RIASTAP.
- Commercial lead for hematology business development assessments; assigned highest BD priorities for CSL.
- Direct cross-functional teams across global access, forecasting & analytics, R&D and regulatory
- Created CSL's first comprehensive "reverse pitch" presentation to foster external partnership interest
Sr. Director, Inline Market Access, HAE and Respiratory
CSL Behring
10.2023 - 04.2024
- Led successful international launch of ANDEMBRY (garadacimab) in HAE with favorable HTA outcomes (IQWiG, NICE) and pricing to date.
- Integrated stakeholder perspectives (patients, physicians, payers) into global P&R strategy and converted to market shaping strategy
- Co-led talent development strategy for global market access; created onboarding and mentorship playbooks.
- Managed portfolio of 4 products (ANDEMBRY, HAEGARDA, BERINERT, RESPREEZA)
Sr. Director, Global Market Access, Immunology
CSL Behring
11.2021 - 09.2023
- Co-led value creation strategy for flagship products, HIZENTRA and PRIVIGEN, accounting for nearly 100% of their growth in FY23 off of approximately $4.5 billion base business.
- Developed and executed global market access launch strategy for garadacimab (ANDEMBRY) from Phase III onward.
- Served as interim global pricing lead; established global pricing strategy and go-to-market plan.
- Expanded team size and led development of harmonized core deliverables for global market access.
- Managed largest (by revenue) portfolio of 5 products (HIZENTRA, PRIVIGEN, HAEGARDA, BERINERT, ANDEMBRY) accounting for ~45% of CSL's enterprise revenue.
Director, Global Med Ed & Comms, Immunology
CSL Behring
05.2020 - 10.2021
- Directed cross-functional teams to achieve enterprise objectives for congress investment strategy and enhance operational efficiency.
- Acted as chief-of-staff for VP Immunology; built business planning structure and synthesized cross-functional goals.
- Led alignment of commercialization functions within therapeutic area; integrated marketing, medical, and access priorities.
Director, US Value-Based Care Access Strategy
Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Systems, Inc.
08.2016 - 04.2020
- Co-led ONE JNJ strategy to maximize commercial value across sectors; developed national customer partnership structure.
- Created marketing differentiation strategy for INVOKANA indication expansion; served as brand's "north star", optimized brand positioning, lead to KAM team above brand strategy.
Global Strategic Marketing, OLYSIO, Early HBV
Janssen Global Services
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Global launch support for OLYSIO in HCV, which earned ~$2.5 billion first year revenue; Janssen's most successful launch to date, exceeding Zytiga
- Drove early commercialization strategy in HBV; managed 4 assets, internally and externally acquired through portfolio strategy
Associate Director, Professional Education, ZYTIGA
Janssen Ortho Biotech
01.2011 - 2013
- Supported US launch of Zytiga in prostate cancer, Janssen's most successful launch to date >$1 billion sales
- Developed Urology market development professional education strategy
- Managed Southeast region of sales reps' speaker programming, approximately 50-75 programs annually
Previous Experiences
Various
07.2005 - 12.2010
- Associate Director, Medical Science Liaison (2005-2010), REMICADE
- Consultant, ZS Associates (2004-2005)
Education
Ph.D. - Molecular Biology
Northwestern University
Chicago05-2004
MBA - General Management
LeBow College of Business
Philadelphia, PA06-2014
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Ursinus College
Collegeville05-1999
Skills
- Leadership: line and large, cross-functional teams
- Executive communication and influence
- Commercialization strategies
- Launch planning and execution
- Brand and above-brand value creation
- Global market access
Accomplishments
Summit Facilitator: Arsenal Advisors on Market Access/Value-Based Care (VBC), UPenn, PA, March 2019
Panel Chair: ExL 3rd BD&L Summit on Access in BD, San Francisco, CA Feb 2019
Speaker: Future Pharma on pharma health system strategies, Boston, MA Sep 2018
Keynote Speaker: ExL 11th Summit on Value-Based Care Strategies, Boston, MA Jun 2018
Keynote Speaker: ExL 10th Summit on Value-Based Care Strategies, Los Angeles, CA Nov 2017
Chair and Speaker: Multi-Stakeholder Approaches To Driving Value In Evolving US Health Care System, Philadelphia, PA Jun 2017
Speaker: Commercial Implications of US Policy on Market Access, San Francisco, CA April 2017
Speaker: Pharma Force 2016: Pharma Value In New Health Care Ecosystem, Princeton, NJ Sep 2016
Co-Chair: 6th Annual KOL Management Summit, Philadelphia, PA Jun 2015
Co-Chair: 6th Annual KOL Management Summit
Timeline
Sr. Director, Global Commercial Development, Hematology
CSL Behring
05.2025 - Current
Sr. Director, Inline Market Access, HAE and Respiratory
CSL Behring
10.2023 - 04.2024
Sr. Director, Global Market Access, Immunology
CSL Behring
11.2021 - 09.2023
Director, Global Med Ed & Comms, Immunology
CSL Behring
05.2020 - 10.2021
Director, US Value-Based Care Access Strategy
Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Systems, Inc.
08.2016 - 04.2020
Global Strategic Marketing, OLYSIO, Early HBV
Janssen Global Services
01.2013 - 01.2015
Associate Director, Professional Education, ZYTIGA
Janssen Ortho Biotech
01.2011 - 2013
Previous Experiences
Various
07.2005 - 12.2010
Ph.D. - Molecular Biology
Northwestern University
MBA - General Management
LeBow College of Business
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Ursinus College
Awards
CSL - ANDEMBRY launch - highest valued Celebrate The Promise award (2025)
CSL - LEx leadership development program completion (2023)
Janssen - Director of the year, Strategic Customer Group (2018)
Janssen - MAGIC talent development program completion (2018)
Janssen - Breakthrough award, Strategic Customer Group (2017)
Janssen - Director of the year, Strategic Customer Group (2016)
Ursinus - College “Rising Star” Alumni Award (2009), featured in Forbes Magazine (2009)
Northwestern - Cover article for Journal of Virology Nov (2003) JVI Table of Contents Volume 77, Issue 21