bluebird bio, a commercial-stage biotherapeutics company specializing in gene therapies for severe genetic diseases, has announced three strategic executive appointments to bolster its leadership team. The company has named Brian Riley as President and Chief Technical Officer, Dr. Joanne Lager as Chief Medical Officer, and Adrian Chaisson as Chief of Staff.
"I am thrilled to welcome Brian, Joanne and Adrian to bluebird's leadership team. They each bring extensive experience in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry with proven track records in strategic leadership, genetic therapy manufacturing, operational excellence and drug development," said David Meek, Chief Executive Officer of bluebird bio. "These new appointments mark an exciting and important milestone as we sharpen our focus on commercial execution and expanding access to our gene therapies."
Manufacturing and Operations Leadership
Brian Riley brings more than 25 years of experience in operations, quality, and manufacturing to his new role as President and Chief Technical Officer. Most recently, Riley served as Chief Manufacturing Officer at Beam Therapeutics, where he led the design and start-up of a multi-modality GMP manufacturing facility supporting both ex-vivo cell therapy drug products and in-vivo LNP encapsulated products.
Prior to Beam Therapeutics, Riley spent five years at Catalent Pharma Solutions, leading the company's biologics business and managing five biologics plants across North America and Europe. His earlier experience includes serving as Site Director of Durham, NC operations at bioMerieux, where he led compliance remediation efforts and global growth platform initiatives. Riley also held progressive roles in quality and operations at Biogen Idec, Amgen, and Diosynth Biotechnology.
Riley holds an MBA from Campbell University and a B.S. from North Carolina State University.
Clinical Development Expertise
Dr. Joanne Lager joins bluebird bio with more than 20 years of drug development experience. She most recently served as Chief Medical Officer at NiKang Therapeutics and iTeos Therapeutics, where she oversaw strategy and operations for clinical programs. Previously, she held the position of Head of Development for Oncology at Sanofi, directing the development of oncology products from candidate selection through post-marketing phases.
Her career also includes key leadership and medical roles at Sanofi and GSK, reflecting deep expertise in clinical research and development. Dr. Lager earned her medical degree from Duke University, where she also completed fellowships in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Oncology Drug Development. Before transitioning to the biopharmaceutical industry, she provided patient care in the Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Unit at Duke University Medical Center.
Strategic Operations Leadership
Adrian Chaisson brings strategic and operational drug development leadership shaped by cross-functional experience in advancing novel medicines from discovery through commercialization for patients with serious and life-threatening diseases. Prior to joining bluebird bio, Chaisson served as Vice President of Program Leadership at Be Biopharma, where he led the development of two novel B cell therapies and established the Program Management function that helped shape the company's strategic direction and deliver operational business goals.
Previously, Chaisson was Head of Program & Project Management at FerGene, where he led the commercialization and lifecycle management of a gene therapy for bladder cancer. Earlier in his career, he worked as a management consultant providing strategic and operational advisory services to biotech and healthcare clients. Chaisson holds an MBA from Clark University.
Company Background
bluebird bio is a commercial-stage biotherapeutics company focused on developing and delivering gene therapies for severe genetic diseases. With more than a decade of scientific leadership in gene therapy, the company has three FDA-approved therapies for sickle cell disease, β-thalassemia, and cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy. The company is committed to ensuring access, reliability, and patient-centered care and is headquartered in Somerville, Massachusetts.
