Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Custom
Timeline
Generic

JOSEPH PIAZZA

Lake Forest

Summary

Senior Hematology & Immunology Account Manager offering extensive expertise in launching, promoting, and selling Stem cell transplant therapies, Hematology targeted ultra rare therapies for Adult and Pediatric disorders

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience

Work History

Key Account Manager

Mesoblast limited
Chicago
04.2025 - Current
  • Coordinated product demonstrations and training sessions for client staff.
  • Managed account renewals and contract negotiations to ensure client satisfaction.
  • Utilized CRM software to track client interactions and gather feedback.
  • Strengthened relationships with key clients to identify and address their needs. Excited to launch the first and only FDA-approved mesenchymal stromal cell therapy indicated for the treatment of steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease in pediatric patients 2 months of age and older.

Account Manager

ImmunityBio
Chicago
01.2024 - 12.2024
  • Spearhead the launch of Anktiva, a groundbreaking immunotherapeutic agent and first-in-class IL-15 drug, approved by the FDA for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) treatment.
  • Communicate the drug's unique value proposition, which features a novel fusion protein structure, to healthcare professionals, resulting in widespread adoption.
  • Drive sales and account growth and establish credibility with prospects by presenting Anktiva's clinical trial results showing broad activation of cancer-killing cells, with 62% of treated patients experiencing complete and durable responses and 45% maintaining remission after two years.
  • Build strong relationships with key opinion leaders and healthcare professionals to expand the product reach, which is currently being explored for various solid tumors and HIV infections, showcasing the potential for significant impact in oncology and beyond.

Rigel pharmaceuticals
01.2019 - 01.2023
  • Called on oncologists and Stem cell hematologists in the Chicago region to promote and sell treatments for hematological malignancies.
  • Proactively established and nurtured relationships with academic institutions, community hospitals, and private medical practices.
  • Leveraged advanced knowledge of hematological Stem cell transplant disease states as well as product knowledge to immediately establish credibility with prospects.
  • Ensured physician reimbursement for treatment, tracked status of claims, and interacted with billing personnel, pharmacists, and others involved in filing claims for reimbursement through Medicare.
  • Conducted dinner programs, solicited speakers, and arranged special events to maximize networking, promote products, and recommend clinical trials at hospital level or at large practices.
  • Gained formulary approval at key institutions, and resourcefully influenced account specialists working with medical science liaisons to identify and implement strategies for clinical trials.
  • District award winner 2 years running

Senior Clinical Immunology and Stem cell transplant Specialist

Amgen
Chicago
01.2016 - 01.2019
  • Spearhead launch of first immune therapy utilizing Bite technology (Blincyto) for adult and pediatric hematologists in Midwest territory.
  • Cultivate, nurture, and maintain relationships with academic HSCT institutions, evaluate drug suitability for patient populations, provide physician referrals, and ensure physician reimbursement for treatment.
  • Communicate with nursing staff including possible side effects, perform ongoing follow-up to assess treatment, and maintain associated documentation.
  • Collaboratively steer claims reimbursement process to ensure satisfaction and business continuity.
  • President club winner 2018

Pediatric Stem cell Account Specialist

Jazz Pharmaceuticals
01.2012 - 01.2016
  • Contacted academic institutions, community hospitals, and private medical practices to sell pharmaceutical treatments for hematological malignancies to hematologists, oncologists, nuclear medicine specialists, radiation oncologists, and pharmacies in Illinois and Wisconsin.
  • Determined appropriateness of drug for patient population identified and mitigated concerns with specific treatments, and provided physician referrals and additional information on treatment from Medical Affairs Department.

Key Account Manager

Spectrum Oncology
01.2010 - 01.2012
  • Established major sales responsibilities for Zevalin in B cell lineage hematological malignancies with all hospitals in Illinois and Indiana, expand the usage of spectrum products.
  • Set up CME Programs with major medical centers.
  • Set up Speaker Programs with major medical and private oncology practices.
  • Diamond club winner 2012

Pediatric Transplant Account Specialist Key Account Manager

Genzyme
01.2005 - 01.2011
  • Generated leads by cold calling on Pediatric stem cell transplant hematologists in the Midwest region to promote and sell treatments for hematological malignancies and genetic diseases.
  • Proactively established and nurtured relationships with academic institutions, community hospitals, and private medical practices.
  • Five-time winner of Outstanding Sales Performance (2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005) and recognized in 2007 for 'Best Customer Sales Team Collaboration'.

Oncology Account Specialist Key Account Manager

SuperGen Inc.
01.2000 - 01.2005
  • Established major accounts in Illinois and Indiana by building rapport and earning respect among oncology staff, nurses, pharmacists, and doctors at multiple hospitals and pharmacies.
  • Identified and secured sites to set up phase 3 & 4 clinical trials to expand use of SuperGen products for hematology and autoimmune diseases.
  • Instituted CME programs with prominent medical centers, orchestrated speaker programs across major medical and private oncology practices, and attended oncology-related meetings across the US.
  • Won 2004 President Club for playing a pivotal role in driving sales growth and appointed as oncology coordinator for district for two years.
  • Directed Journal Club with accountability for gathering relevant journals and presenting to district sales force for use in substantiating prescribing of company drugs.
  • Consistently exceeded sales goals to rank among top 1% company-wide for total sales.
  • Developed and delivered in-services on utilization of SuperGen's biologics with focus on efficacy, side effects management, and indication usage.
  • Attended three preceptorships at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas, University of Illinois, and Ohio State to gain substantial knowledge of oncology disease, pertinent case studies, and investigative drugs.

Oncology Account Specialist

Novartis Oncology Pharmaceuticals
01.1998 - 01.2000
  • Effectively cultivated productive relationships with University of Chicago, University of Illinois, Christ Hospital, Mt. Sinai Hospital, Provident Hospital, Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's, Cook County Hospital, St. Joseph Hospital, and Columbus Hospital.
  • Accomplished assigned sales targets each year in role and captured 110% of quota.
  • Negotiated and successfully secured major contract for Femara at Cook County Hospital.
  • Championed launch of Aredia and Zometa for bone metastasis.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology

St. Norbert College
De Pere, Wisconsin

Skills

  • Substantial expertise in Pediatric Stem cell treatments, exemplary skills in driving territory growth and delivering world-class client service; considerable expertise in rare Non and Malignant Hematological disorders
  • Adept at prospecting, educating, selling, and servicing accounts in competitive markets; proficient in selling immunology therapies in b cell linage disorders for adult and pediatric patient populations
  • Specialization in oncology, immunology, hematology, possess consummate knowledge of disease states and related clinical research and clinical trials
  • Highly skilled in consultative sales approaches, delivering compelling sales presentations, and expanding accounts through constant and confident interaction with physicians, specialists, nurses, and office staff
  • Able to effectively network, establish rapport with prospects, and gain prospects' confidence through extensive industry background and convincing proposals and PowerPoint presentations
  • Excel at developing and implementing training programs, materials, tools, and disease monographs
  • Strategic planning

Custom

  • Prior background includes Schering Plough – consistently achieved goals for sales of Oncology/Biotech/Prostate Cancer drugs. Was named 1995 President's Cup Winner in Oncology/Biotech Division and selected as 1992 National Distinguished Oncology Representative runner-up. Also won Diamond 110 Award for Oncology & Respiratory products for four consecutive years.
  • Attended all National Oncology-related meetings: ECOG, SWOG, CALGB, ASCO, ONS, and ASH. Genzyme, 2005 to 2011 Oncology Account Specialist Key Account Manager

Timeline

Key Account Manager

Mesoblast limited
04.2025 - Current

Account Manager

ImmunityBio
01.2024 - 12.2024

Rigel pharmaceuticals
01.2019 - 01.2023

Senior Clinical Immunology and Stem cell transplant Specialist

Amgen
01.2016 - 01.2019

Pediatric Stem cell Account Specialist

Jazz Pharmaceuticals
01.2012 - 01.2016

Key Account Manager

Spectrum Oncology
01.2010 - 01.2012

Pediatric Transplant Account Specialist Key Account Manager

Genzyme
01.2005 - 01.2011

Oncology Account Specialist Key Account Manager

SuperGen Inc.
01.2000 - 01.2005

Oncology Account Specialist

Novartis Oncology Pharmaceuticals
01.1998 - 01.2000

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology

St. Norbert College