Christoph Westphal, M.D., Ph.D., has a solid background in medicine and biotechnology. Born on April 12, 1960, he earned his M.D. from Harvard Medical School and a Ph.D. in genetics from Harvard University. Westphal was the Chief Executive Officer of...
Christoph Westphal, M.D., Ph.D., has a solid background in medicine and biotechnology. Born on April 12, 1960, he earned his M.D. from Harvard Medical School and a Ph.D. in genetics from Harvard University. Westphal was the Chief Executive Officer of Verastem, Inc., a biotechnology company known for its focus on cancer therapies, from September 2011 to June 2013 and served as the chairman of the board since March 2011. He has been involved in founding several biotech companies, including Sirtris Pharmaceuticals, which was acquired by GlaxoSmithKline. His experience as a venture capitalist and in leadership roles at various biotech firms shows a hands-on approach to driving innovation in healthcare. Interestingly, while many executives earn substantial salaries, Westphal reported zero compensation in 2013, highlighting a unique strategy that aligns with the company's performance philosophy. His insider trading activity has seen fluctuations ranging from $2.73 million to over $29 million in various months during 2021, suggesting a keen interest in his company’s growth. In addition to his work at Verastem, he serves on multiple boards and councils, including the Board of Fellows of Harvard Medical School, proving his continual engagement in the medical and scientific community.