Owen Smith
About Owen Smith
Owen Smith is the Executive Director of the Innovative Medicines Business Unit at Bristol Myers Squibb in London, with extensive experience in both the pharmaceutical industry and politics.
Company
Owen Smith is currently serving as the Executive Director of the Innovative Medicines Business Unit at Bristol Myers Squibb. Based in London, England, United Kingdom, he oversees key aspects of the company's innovative medicines strategy.
Previous Positions and Industry Experience
Before his current role, Owen Smith held several significant positions within Bristol Myers Squibb. From 2020 to 2021, he was the Executive Director for Market Access & External Affairs in the United Kingdom. Additionally, he has a rich history in the pharmaceutical industry, having worked at Amgen as Director of Corporate Affairs and Market Access (2008-2010) and at Pfizer in various positions including Director of Corporate Affairs (Acting) and Head of Government Affairs and Policy (2005-2008). These roles solidified his expertise in Market Access, Corporate Affairs, and Policy.
Political Career
Owen Smith served as a Member of Parliament in the UK from 2010 to 2019 and was also a Shadow Cabinet Minister. During his tenure, he worked in the Health, Treasury, and Work and Pensions Departments. Earlier, he held a position as a Special Adviser to the UK Government, from 2002 to 2005, gaining substantial experience in policy-making and governance.
Background in Journalism
Owen Smith began his professional career as a journalist at the BBC, where he worked from 1992 to 2002. This decade-long experience provided him with a strong foundation in communications, an asset that he later applied in his roles in both the pharmaceutical industry and politics.
Education and Expertise
Owen Smith attained a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and French from the University of Sussex and the University of Montpellier, studying from 1988 to 1992. His educational background, combined with his varied professional experiences, has equipped him with expertise in Market Access, Corporate Affairs, Communications, and Policy divisions at leading global pharmaceutical companies.