Cynthia Collins, the former CEO of Editas Medicine, has a strong background in biotechnology and a solid educational foundation. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from the University of Illinois and an MBA from the prestigious University of Chicago...

Cynthia Collins, the former CEO of Editas Medicine, has a strong background in biotechnology and a solid educational foundation. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from the University of Illinois and an MBA from the prestigious University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Under her leadership, Editas was focused on groundbreaking research in genetic editing, showcasing the company’s commitment to innovation in this emerging field. Interestingly, Collins had a rather short tenure as CEO, from March 2019 to February 2021, during which she faced challenges that led to her early departure. In 2020, her total compensation reached approximately $992,935, which included salary, bonus, and various stock awards. Despite the ups and downs, she remains a key figure in the biotech world and was previously linked with major companies like GE Healthcare and GenVec. Collin's experience positions her as an insightful leader in the biotechnology sector, known for navigating complex challenges in pursuit of cutting-edge solutions.

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1. Rivals

2. Holdings

3. Insider Trading

4. Compensation History

5. Other Editas Medicine CEOs

E

Cynthia Collins

Ex-CEO of Editas Medicine

Education

BS in Microbiology from the University of Illinois, Urbana; MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Field of Expertise

Healthcare & Life Sciences - Biotechnology

Sector of Economy

Healthcare

Born

January 1, 1961 - 64 years ago

CEO of Editas Medicine for

1 year 11 months (Mar 2019 - Feb 2021)

Previous Experience

CEO of Human Longevity, Inc.; CEO, IVD, of Clarient Diagnostics, Inc.; CEO and director of GenVec, Inc.; Group Vice President, Cellular Analysis of Beckman Coulter.

Rivals

Competitors/colleagues of Cynthia Collins

B

John Evans

CEO of Beam Therapeutics

2023 Compensation

Stock

$0.00

Salary

$685.00K

Bonus

$431.55K

Other

$17.68K

Total Holdings

$24.88M

Holdings

See how much did Cynthia Collins make over time.

During her time at Editas Medicine, Cynthia Collins was involved in significant stock holdings. By 2020, she held stock options that could yield substantial returns. Despite the challenges faced, her decision-making regarding stock options and awards illustrated her strategic involvement...

During her time at Editas Medicine, Cynthia Collins was involved in significant stock holdings. By 2020, she held stock options that could yield substantial returns. Despite the challenges faced, her decision-making regarding stock options and awards illustrated her strategic involvement in raising the company’s profile. Her equity in Editas peaked before she stepped down as CEO, signifying a pivotal point in her financial journey. Upon her departure, she held vested stock worth about $1,025,091 based on past grants, underscoring a strong belief in the company's potential even as she transitioned out. This wealth in stock options reflected her commitment to Editas and belief in its vision, although her early departure and the forfeiture of unvested portions marked a turning point in her financial landscape.

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Insider Trading

See recent insider trades of Cynthia Collins.

No insider trades found for this CEO.

Compensation History

See how much did Cynthia Collins make over time.

In 2021, Cynthia Collins’ total compensation was approximately $662,427, mainly stemming from her base salary of $86,538 and substantial vesting of stock from prior awards. Although she did not receive a performance-based cash bonus due to her separation from Editas in early 2021, her stock awards valued at over $1 million at vesting represent a notable payout. In 2020, her compensation peaked at nearly $993,000, thanks to a combination of salary, bonuses, and significant equity stakes. These numbers reflect her position at the helm of a pioneering biotech company at a critical time for gene editing research. Despite the quick exit, her compensation journey illustrates the high stakes and potential rewards within the biotech industry.

Year

2021

Total Compensation

$1.69M

Salary

$86.54K

Board Justification

The compensation philosophy aims to attract and retain top talent while aligning executive compensation with company performance and stockholder interests.

Bonus

$0.00

Board Justification

Cynthia Collins was not eligible to receive a 2021 annual performance-based cash bonus due to her separation from the company in February 2021.

Other

$575.89K

Board Justification

This includes severance payments and housing expenses as part of her separation agreement.

Restricted Stock

$1.03M(17.24K common stock)

Board Justification

The stock awards that vested in 2021 include shares from previous grants that became fully vested upon her separation from the company.

Performance Metrics

The performance metrics for determining compensation are based on corporate goals and individual contributions, but Cynthia Collins did not receive a bonus due to her separation.

Other Editas Medicine CEOs

Here are other CEOs of Editas Medicine

James C. Mullen

Ex-CEO of Editas Medicine

February 2021 - June 2022