John Schembri, Cep
About John Schembri, Cep
John Schembri is the Vice President of Finance at Akero Therapeutics, with a strong background in financial leadership across various biotechnology companies. He has played significant roles in major transactions, including the sales of Sirna Therapeutics and BiPar Sciences, and holds a BBA from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.
Work at Akero Therapeutics
John Schembri serves as the Vice President of Finance at Akero Therapeutics, a position he has held since 2019. His role involves overseeing financial operations and strategic financial planning for the organization. Akero Therapeutics focuses on developing treatments for liver diseases, and Schembri's financial expertise supports the company's growth and operational efficiency.
Previous Experience in Biotechnology Finance
Prior to his current role, John Schembri held several significant positions in the biotechnology sector. He was the Vice President and Controller at Sirna Therapeutics from 2006 to 2007, and later served as CFO and Controller at BiPar Sciences from 2007 to 2009. He continued his career as CFO at StemPar Sciences from 2009 to 2013. Additionally, he was Vice President Finance and Controller at Global Blood Therapeutics from 2014 to 2016 and at Seer from 2018 to 2019.
Education and Expertise
John Schembri earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) in Finance and Accounting from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo. He is a licensed CPA in California, though currently inactive, and holds the designation of Certified Equity Professional. His educational background and certifications contribute to his extensive experience in equity administration and contract negotiations.
Achievements in Biotechnology Sales
John Schembri has played a pivotal role in the sale of three biotechnology companies, achieving a total transaction value exceeding $3.6 billion. He was instrumental in facilitating the sale of Sirna Therapeutics to Merck and BiPar Sciences to Sanofi-Aventis. His contributions to these transactions highlight his expertise in strategic financial management within the biotechnology industry.
Financial Management and Strategic Responsibilities
In his various roles, John Schembri has been involved in risk management and facility management as part of his strategic and operational finance responsibilities. He has successfully closed multiple public and private equity and debt financings, demonstrating his ability to navigate complex financial landscapes in the biotechnology sector.