Chief Scientific Officer (CSO), Member of the Corporate Executive Board
Jan Adams, Chief Scientific Officer
“Our R&D organisation is the driving force behind our pipeline of highly innovative assets that will deliver towards our vision of a world free of pain.”
Always driven to improve patients’ lives, Jan Adams has built up more than 15 years of experience in healthcare and biopharmaceuticals and took over the role of CSO in 2020. Under his leadership, Grünenthal transformed its R&D strategy and operating model and significantly strengthened its pipeline of highly innovative non-opioid pain assets.
Jan joined Grünenthal in July 2017 as Head of Corporate Strategy and Portfolio Management, working at the interface between strategy, research, development and commercial. Prior to joining Grünenthal, he served in roles with increasing levels of responsibility at Novartis and Takeda, as well as within McKinsey & Company’s global Pharmaceutical and Medical Products practice.
Jan Adams at a glance
Nationality: German
Year of birth: 1977
Education: Medical Doctor (MD) at Medical Schools in Kiel, Frankfurt and Sydney; Doctoral Thesis at Goethe University Frankfurt
Family status: Married, two children
Leisure time: My 2 daughters, travelling, hiking
Career highlights
Since 2020: Member of the Corporate Executive Board and Chief Scientific Officer, Grünenthal
2019: Deputy/Acting Chief Scientific Officer, Grünenthal
2017 – 2019: Senior Vice President & Head Corporate Strategy and Portfolio Management, Grünenthal
2016-2017: Vice President & Head R&D Strategic Management and Planning, Takeda Pharmaceuticals Inc.
2008-2016: Associate Principal, McKinsey & Company
2005-2007: Project Leader Cardiovascular and Hemostaseology, Clinical Development and Medical Affairs, Novartis Pharma
2004 – 2005: Resident at Hannover Medical School (MHH)