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Reshma Kewalramani

CEO & President

Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Boston, MA, USA

Reshma Kewalramani

Creator, Executive Producer & Entrepreneur

Reshma’s Biography

Reshma Kewalramani is the CEO and President of Vertex Pharmaceuticals. A highly experienced medical doctor, clinician, researcher, and nephrologist, she is well equipped to lead Vertex to its next stage of growth.

She previously held the positions of Executive Vice President, Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President. During her time at Vertex, the company has pioneered ground-breaking medical treatments for cystic fibrosis, namely SYMDEKO/SYMKEVI and TRIKAFTA/KAFTRIO, bringing these transformative new therapies to the majority of CF patients around the world.

Formerly, Dr. Kewalramani spent more than 12 years at Amgen in several senior roles, notably as Vice President, Head US Medical Organization. During this time, she expanded Amgen’s Research and Development unit and established the US Medical Organization which oversaw molecular responsibilities.

A passionate doctor, teacher, mentor, philanthropist and STEM advocate, Dr. Kewalramani is active in her community. Amongst many of her other roles and responsibilities, she is a Fellow of the American Society of Nephrology,... Reshma Kewalramani is the CEO and President of Vertex Pharmaceuticals. A highly experienced medical doctor, clinician, researcher, and nephrologist, she is well equipped to lead Vertex to its next stage of growth.

She previously held the positions of Executive Vice President, Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President. During her time at Vertex, the company has pioneered ground-breaking medical treatments for cystic fibrosis, namely SYMDEKO/SYMKEVI and TRIKAFTA/KAFTRIO, bringing these transformative new therapies to the majority of CF patients around the world.

Formerly, Dr. Kewalramani spent more than 12 years at Amgen in several senior roles, notably as Vice President, Head US Medical Organization. During this time, she expanded Amgen’s Research and Development unit and established the US Medical Organization which oversaw molecular responsibilities.

A passionate doctor, teacher, mentor, philanthropist and STEM advocate, Dr. Kewalramani is active in her community. Amongst many of her other roles and responsibilities, she is a Fellow of the American Society of Nephrology, a board member of the Biomedical Science Careers Program, a member of the Dean’s Advisory Committee at Boston University Medical School, and a board member of RIZE Massachusetts.

Dr. Kewalramani completed her internship and residency at several Mass General Brigham medical centers, including as Resident Physician at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Throughout her notable career, she has earned several accolades, most recently as a leading CEO of a Fortune 500 biotech company and as an International Institute of New England Golden Door Award Honoree.

She is an alumnus of Harvard Business School and holds a Summa Cum Laude medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine. more less

Reshma’s Newsfeed

Good Word News

UK approves Vertex and CRISPR therapy for sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia in world first

Reshma Kewalramani, CEO of Vertex, has described Britain’s approval of Casgevy and the first regulatory approval of a CRISPR-based therapy in the world, as a historic day for medicine and science.

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The Boston Globe

How a career pivot catapulted Vertex’s CEO to the top of the biotech world

Janelle Nanos tells the success story of Vertex Chief Executive Officer Reshma Kewalramani: from transplant nephrologist to heading biotech giant Vertex.

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Reshma’s Background

Vertex Pharmaceuticals

CEO & President

Apr 2020 - Present

Boston, MA, USA

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is a leading biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative new medicines. Dr. Kewalramani previously served as the Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President of Global Medicines Development and Medical Affairs from April 2018 through March 2020.

Amgen

Vice President, Head US Medical Organization

Jun 2004 - Jul 2017

Thousand Oaks, CA, USA

Dr. Kewalramani gained experience in several roles at Amgen, notably, Vice President, Head US Medical Organization; Vice Present, Head Nephrology and Metabolic Therapeutic Area, Global Clinical Development; and other various roles across Global Clinical Development and Medical Affairs.

MIT - Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Physician

Boston, MA, USA

She worked as a physician at MIT involved in research in the co-stimulatory field.

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Nephrologist and Research Fellow

2002 - 2004

Boston, MA, USA

A leading healthcare facility in the Greater Boston Area, the Brigham and Women's Hospital treats all patients in the facility and on an outpatient basis.

Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary

Physician

Boston, MA, USA

One of the top centers in the United States for ear and eye treatment. The medical facility is part of the Mass General Brigham integrated health care system.

Mass General Brigham

Nephrology Fellow

2001 - 2002

Boston, MA, USA

Mass General Brigham is a group of medical centers and facilities in the United States with a focus on research and development and excellence in patient treatment and care.

Massachusetts General Hospital

Resident Physician

1998 - 2001

Boston, MA, USA

One of the top-ranked hospitals in the United States, delivering on life-affirming health care and research and development that serves the community.

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Reshma’s Gallery

Board Positions

Ginkgo Bioworks, Inc.

Board Member

Aug 2021 - Present

Boston, MA, USA

Ginkgo Bioworks, a private analytics company, utilizes advanced technology to program cells to produce unique products across a range of industries.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Board Member

Apr 2020 - Present

Boston, MA, USA

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Advisory Roles

Boston University School of Medicine

Advisory Board

Boston, MA, USA

She is a member of the Boston University Medical School's Dean's Advisory Committee. Her role is to assist the board on curricula and appointments made at the Medical School.

Previous Board Positions

Kidney Health Institute

Board Member

Boston, MA, USA

She was previously appointed to the inaugural Board of Directors at the Kidney Health Institute.

Media

Vertex's CF drugs drive 18% growth as company looks to diversify

Quoted

Jul 2021

Reshma is quoted in this article that discusses Vertex's significant growth and internal investment strategy. "You have never seen us invest more in our internal innovation," she says.

Meet the new Fortune 500 CEO's

Mentioned

Jun 2021

New York, NY, USA

She is mentioned on Fortune's list of the 500 new CEOs for her position at Vertex Pharmaceuticals.

Interviews

Inside Vertex 3.0: Can Reshma Kewalramani repeat one of biotech's biggest success stories?

May 2021

Dr. Kewalramani discusses the difficulties in her first days as CEO of Vertex in the middle of a global pandemic, as well as her plans for the company's success in the future.

Diversity in Action: Q&A With Reshma Kewalramani

Jul 2022

In this Q&A with Barri Blauvelt, Reshma speaks on the ways that companies can work to make gender and diversity gaps smaller in STEM, as well as Vertex's solutions to promoting diversity and investing into the next generation of scientists.

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Features

Reshma Kewalramani: 'It's about raising your hand, raising your voice'

Dec 2020

She is profiled in honor of her 2020 Boston Business Journal Woman Who Mean Business award.

Awards & Recognition

STATUS List

Honoree

2023

Boston, MA, USA

Individuals on the STATUS List are well-known as leaders and influencers in areas like biotechnology and public health; others are largely unheralded heroes. But all have compelling stories to tell.

Babson College

Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree

May 2023

Wellesley, MA, USA

Reshma was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Human Letters for her outstanding contribution to the entrepreneurial community by Babson College.

Boston Business Journal

Alan E. Lewis Alnoba CEO Social Leadership Award

Jul 2023

Boston, MA, USA

Reshma has been named the recipient of the BBJ's Alan E. Lewis Alnoba CEO Social Leadership Award for 2023. This nomination was part of the Boston Business Journal's corporate citizenship awards.

American India Foundation

Honoree

Apr 2023

Boston, MA, USA

Non-profit organization American India Foundation (AIF) has honored life sciences icon Reshma Kewalramani, Chief Executive Officer and President at Vertex Pharmaceuticals. with an award.

Harvard Business School

2023 Harvard Business School Alumni Achievement Award

Apr 2023

Boston, MA, USA

Reshma has been named as one of five recipients of the 2023 Harvard Business School Alumni Award. This award is granted to outstanding alumni who represent the best traditions and highest aspirations of the School.

21st Anniversary of Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business Award

Honoree

2022

New York, NY, USA

This award recognizes Asian American entrepreneurs, professionals and corporate executives who are engaged in a wide range of business interests and have a role in driving the U.S. economy.

Indiaspora

Member

San Francisco, CA, USA

Indiaspora is a platform highlighting the successes of individuals who have left the homeland and have achieved excellence in their field internationally. She was mentioned as part of the Inaugural Business Leaders List 2021.

International Institute of New England

Golden Door Honoree

Apr 2021

Boston, MA, USA

The International Institute of New England honored her with the Golden Door Award, honoring her work in the medical field.

Biotechnology Innovation Organization

Honoree

Mar 2021

Washington, DC, USA

She was featured as part of Bio's Women's History Month as one of the leading women in biotech.

Boston Business Journal - Women Who Mean Business

Honoree

Oct 2020

Boston, MA, USA

She was included among eight businesswomen in the Greater Boston area who were recognized by the Boston Business Journal as leaders in the community and innovators in their industries.

100 People Transforming Business

Honoree

Sep 2020

Boston, MA, USA

She is honored on the People Transforming Business list for her influence as CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals.

Harvard Medical School

Excellence in Teaching Award

Boston, MA, USA

She received the Excellence in Teaching Award from Harvard University Medical School. The award is bestowed to members of faculty who have advanced the education of public health.

American Medical Women's Association

Glasgow-Rubin Citation for Academic Achievement

Schaumburg, IL, USA

The American Medical Women’s Association Glasgow Memorial Achievement Citation is a national award now given to those women students whom have exhibited exceptional academic achievement.

TiE Boston Healthcare Leadership Award

Honoree

Dec 2019

Boston, MA, USA

She was honored with the Healthcare Leadership Award at TiE Boston’s 2019 Gala. TiE Boston was founded by entrepreneurs who immigrated from the Indus region and today supports entrepreneurs from all backgrounds.

Boston Business Journal

Power 50 Honoree

2019

Boston, MA, USA

Reshma is mentioned on the BBJ's Power 50 list for 2019. The list honored individuals who are respected by their peers and co-workers and who have made a significant impact in the community that they serve.

American College of Physicians

Associates Council Award

Philadelphia, PA, USA

Reshma was honored for her outstanding work in internal medicine.

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Training & Management Courses

Harvard Business School Executive Education

Training and Management

Boston, MA, USA

The General Management Program offers a multi-faceted approach to executive business leadership, offering students innovative approaches to business in the 21st century.

Speaking Engagements

2021 Effective Practices Conference

Keynote Speaker

Dec 2021

Dr. Kewalramani will give the keynote address for the 2021 Effective Practices Conference to discuss the advancements and opportunities given to women at Vertex as well as ways in which other companies can continue to work towards gender equality in the workforce.

Press Releases

Vertex CEO Reshma Kewalramani, MD to join Ginkgo Bioworks Board of Directors

Featured

Aug 2021

She has been named a new member for Ginkgo Bioworks' Board of Directors in recognition for her expertise and dedication to innovating the industry and educating the future generation of scientists.

Fellowships

American Society of Nephrology

Fellow

Washington, DC, USA

She is board certified in internal medicine and nephrology with The American Society of Nephrology.

Reshma’s Education

Boston University School of Medicine

Doctor of Medicine (M.D)/ Summa Cum Laude

1990 - 1998

Boston University

Liberal Arts/Medical Education Program; Doctor of Medicine (M.D)

1990 - 1998

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