Sam Azer
Enterprise Portfolio & Program Leadership | R&D Governance, Capital Allocation & Asset Progression | End-to-End Asset Strategy & Execution | Former J&J Executive
- Role
- Sr Director, Program & Portfolio Management Leader at Galapagos
- Location
- Princeton, NJ, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Sam Azer
Sam Azer is a global portfolio and program leader with more than 25 years of experience translating scientific innovation into integrated development strategy and disciplined execution across large pharma, emerging biotech, and investor-backed ventures.He partners with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to align portfolio priorities, program strategy, and operational delivery at critical development inflection points. His experience spans discovery, CMC, manufacturing, regulatory, and clinical development across biologics, small molecules, gene-modified cell therapies, and precision platforms.Across his career at Johnson & Johnson and in biotech leadership roles, Sam has built and led high-performing program and portfolio organizations, designed governance and prioritization frameworks, and strengthened execution discipline across complex, multi-asset pipelines. He has contributed to the advancement and commercialization of transformative medicines including NUCEYNTA, INVEGA, SPRAVATO, DARZALEX, ERLEADA, IMBRUVICA, RYBREVANT, and CARVYKTI.In addition to execution leadership, he has partnered with Corporate Development, Investor Relations, and senior executives to support portfolio trade-off decisions, partnership readiness, and communication of key milestones and value drivers.Sam is recognized for building strong program leadership capability, integrating complex development plans, and ensuring that strategy translates into measurable progress and patient impact.
Experience
Sr Director, Program & Portfolio Management Leader
Jul 2025 — Present · Princeton, NJ, US
Lead enterprise portfolio governance and integrated development planning for a global multi-indication CAR-T oncology platform advancing toward pivotal development. Drive end-to-end strategy and execution across Clinical Development, Clinical Operations, Regulatory, CMC, Manufacturing, Translation Science, Safety, Supply Chain, and Quality.
Education
Alexandria University
BS, Biochemistry
Drexel University's LeBow College of Business
MBA, HealthCare and Pharmaceutical Management
2008 — 2010
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