Healthcare >> CEO Interviews >> September 13, 2002
KEVIN L. KEIM, MSc, PhD was named President and CEO of Vela
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in March 2000. Over the last two years, he has
built the VelaPharm team, guided strategic direction and raised over $40
million in venture financing. Dr. Keim is a seasoned CNS drug developer
with 25 years of R&D experience at Hoffmann-LaRoche and Wyeth-Ayerst
Research. Dr. Keim successfully grew and ran International Clinical
Research Corporation, a private CNS-focused CRO that was acquired by
Quintiles, the world's largest CRO. He served for nine years as
President of Quintiles CNS Therapeutics, growing the organization to
nearly 500 US members (700-plus globally) and increasing US net revenues
by 70% to $127 million. While maintaining 75% repeat business, he
increased the division's market share over 30%. A neurophysiologist by
training, Dr. Keim received his graduate degree from New York
University. Profile
JEFF CALCAGNO, MD joined Vela Pharmaceuticals, Inc. as Chief Financial
Officer and Vice President of Finance in July 2002. Dr. Calcagno, a
licensed psychiatrist with specialized training in psychopharmacology,
combines medical expertise with years of consulting and investment
banking experience. His business experience includes management
consulting work in McKinsey & Company's international pharmaceutical
practice, healthcare investment banking research at Hambrecht & Quist
(now JP Morgan H&Q), and management of a successful high-tech startup.
His biomedical training includes an undergraduate degree (Phi Beta
Kappa) in Biology and an MD from Harvard University. He completed his
psychiatry residency and fellowship at UCLA's Neuropsychiatric Institute
and Hospital. A former Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholar, Dr.
Calcagno speaks six languages. Profile
Dr. Keim: In 1998, a few entrepreneurs and several physicians associated
with Columbia University discussed business
