Tariq Kassum
About Tariq Kassum
Tariq Kassum, M.D., is the CEO with a strong background in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, having held significant roles at Obsidian Therapeutics, Takeda Oncology, and Millennium Pharmaceuticals.
Tariq Kassum - Chief Executive Officer
Tariq Kassum is the Chief Executive Officer. He has accumulated extensive experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, holding several leadership roles that span various key aspects of corporate operations, development, and investment in these sectors. Tariq's career is marked by significant accomplishments in corporate strategy, business development, and executive management, both in entrepreneurial startups and global pharmaceutical companies.
Tariq Kassum's Education and Expertise
Tariq Kassum holds an M.D. from the University of Toronto, showcasing his robust background in medical education. In addition, he earned a B.A. in biology and French literature from Cornell University. His academic credentials underscore a blend of scientific grounding and a broader liberal arts perspective, equipping him with a comprehensive outlook that he applies in his professional endeavors within the life sciences and healthcare industries.
Tariq Kassum's Background
Tariq Kassum began his career as an investment banker with CIBC World Markets, where he served clients in the biotechnology and specialty pharmaceuticals industries. He then transitioned to being an analyst covering healthcare equities for institutional investment firms. In this role, he led scientific due diligence and investment decisions on numerous companies and pharmaceutical compounds across multiple therapeutic areas. This early career experience laid a strong foundation for his later roles in corporate development and executive leadership.
Tariq Kassum at Obsidian Therapeutics
Prior to his current role, Tariq Kassum served as co-founder, chief operating officer, and head of corporate development at Obsidian Therapeutics. In these roles, he played an integral part in the company's strategic and operational framework, contributing to its growth and development. His responsibilities included overseeing corporate strategies and managing operational functions, positioning Obsidian Therapeutics for sustained success in the biotech industry.
Business Development at Takeda Oncology with Tariq Kassum
At Takeda Oncology, Tariq Kassum served as vice president of business development and strategy. He led Takeda's global corporate development efforts, managing acquisitions and divestitures both in the U.S. and internationally. His leadership in this role was pivotal in advancing Takeda's strategic objectives and expanding its global footprint in the oncology sector. Prior to this, he was part of the business development team at Millennium Pharmaceuticals, further honing his expertise in corporate strategy and development.