Lead Independent Director at Microsoft and former Group Worldwide Chair for Johnson & Johnson brings extensive experience in life sciences innovation, governance and operations
BOSTON, November 20, 2024 – Seaport Therapeutics (“Seaport” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that is advancing novel neuropsychiatric medicines with a proven strategy and team, today announced that Sandra (Sandi) Peterson has been appointed to its Board of Directors. Ms. Peterson is a prominent and seasoned business leader with extensive experience driving innovation and operational excellence across leading global life sciences and consumer organizations.
Ms. Peterson has held a series of high-profile leadership roles over the course of her career. Currently, she is an Operating Partner at Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, (CD&R), a private investment firm, where she invests in life sciences and consumer companies and oversees technology initiatives to enhance performance of the firm’s portfolio companies. Prior to joining CD&R in 2019, Ms. Peterson was Group Worldwide Chair for Johnson & Johnson (J&J), where she led the company’s consumer and medical devices businesses and was responsible for global operating infrastructure, technology, supply chain, quality and key strategic initiatives.
“Sandi has garnered a wealth of experience over the course of her impressive career that will be a tremendous asset to Seaport as we advance novel neuropsychiatric medicines for patients and their families,” said Daphne Zohar, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Seaport Therapeutics. “We are fortunate to have excellent individuals on our Board of Directors who each contribute unique expertise, and Sandi’s proven ability to drive innovation and scale global businesses will be particularly meaningful as we accelerate development of our pipeline.”
Previously, Ms. Peterson served as Chairman & CEO of Bayer CropScience AG, CEO of Bayer Medical Care, and President of Bayer HealthCare AG’s Diabetes Care Division. She held executive positions at Medco Health Solutions (formerly known as Merck-Medco), Nabisco, Whirlpool and McKinsey. In addition to her Board position at Seaport, Ms. Peterson serves on the Microsoft Board of Directors as the lead independent director; Executive Chairwoman of Volastra Therapeutics; Board Chair of the American Academy in Berlin and Executive Committee Member of the Institute for Advanced Study.
“Seaport’s innovative approach to developing new medicines for neuropsychiatric conditions has the potential to radically transform the treatment landscape for patients, particularly for those suffering from depression and anxiety,” said Ms. Peterson. “I look forward to working with Seaport’s excellent leadership team and Board to drive forward our commitment to improve patient outcomes through science and innovation.”
Ms. Peterson has appeared on Fortune Magazine’s list ofMost Powerful Women in Business numerous times and was featured on the magazine’s inaugural list of Leaders Who Are Changing Healthcare. She received her B.A. from Cornell University and her M.P.A. from Princeton University.
About Seaport Therapeutics
Seaport Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company advancing the development of novel neuropsychiatric medicines in areas of high unmet patient needs. The Company has a proven strategy of advancing clinically validated mechanisms previously held back by limitations that are overcome with its proprietary Glyph technology platform. All the therapeutic candidates in its pipeline of first and best-in-class medicines are based on the Glyph platform, which is uniquely designed to enable oral bioavailability, bypass first-pass metabolism and reduce liver enzyme elevations or hepatotoxicity and other side effects. Seaport is led by an experienced team that invented and advanced important neuropsychiatric medicines and are guided by an extensive network of renowned scientists, clinicians and key opinion leaders. For more information, please visit www.seaporttx.com.
