Gilead names new COO, EVP strategy

FOSTER CITY, Calif. — Gilead Sciences announced Wednesday that it had named two new executives to its leadership team. Kevin Young has been named the company’s COO and Dr. Martin Silverstein was named EVP strategy. The two will report to Gilead president and CEO John Milligan. Additionally, Gilead’s EVP commercial operations will be leaving the company to pursue other opportunities. 

 

As COO Young will oversee Gilead’s worldwide commercial organization, facilities and operations. He has been with the company since 2004, starting as EVP commercial operations until 2014, when he became a senior advisor to the company. Before Gilead, he worked for 20 years in the biopharmaceutical industry for such companies as ICI Pharmaceuticals and Amgen. 

 

“I am delighted to welcome Kevin back to Gilead in a full-time capacity. His contributions during his previous tenure, particularly his management of the introduction of eight novel therapies across diverse geographies, made a tremendous impact on the company. I have equally valued his continued engagement and significant contributions as an advisor to Gilead over the past two years,” Milligan said. “Kevin’s knowledge of Gilead’s business, all aspects of commercial operations and our therapeutic areas of focus, his commitment to operational excellence, and his leadership capabilities make him an obvious choice for the role of Chief Operating Officer.”

 

Silverstein will oversee the company’s corporate development, as well as commercial planning and alliance management functions. He was previously Anthem’s EVP and chief strategy officer, a title he held from April 2014 to December 2015. Additionally, Silverstein has 28 years’ experience from the Boston Consulting Group, where he held such titles as senior partner and managing director. 

 

“I’m very pleased to welcome Marty to the Gilead team,” Milligan said. “His vast expertise in the healthcare sector, across biopharmaceuticals, pharmacy benefit management, health insurance and healthcare delivery, will be of great value to Gilead as we see the complexity of our business increase around the world. I’m looking forward to working with Marty and the rest of the company’s senior leadership team to deliver continued growth and bring more medicines to more people around the world.”