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Rachael Lester
SVP Business Development & Corporate Strategy at Harpoon Therapeutics
Professional Background
Rachael Lester is a highly accomplished biopharma executive renowned for her results-driven approach and extensive experience spanning over two decades in corporate strategy, mergers & acquisitions (M&A), and portfolio planning within the healthcare and biopharma sectors. With a robust track record of driving both business outcomes and fostering the growth of individuals in her teams, Rachael has consistently delivered exceptional results in strategic planning, business development, licensing, and alliance management. As the Senior Vice President of Business Development and Corporate Strategy at Harpoon Therapeutics, she has played a pivotal role in steering the company toward sustainable growth and the successful execution of its corporate strategy.
Her leadership has been characterized by a focus on therapeutic area and brand strategy, new product planning, product commercialization, and lifecycle management. Rachael's expertise in portfolio and pipeline planning, long-range financial planning, corporate valuation, due diligence, and negotiation underscores her capacity to manage complex projects that have a tangible impact on the company's bottom line. She is also skilled in marketing and product development, which adds depth to her strategic approach in the dynamic biopharma landscape.
Education and Achievements
Rachael's impressive educational background includes multiple Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees, obtained from esteemed institutions, which have helped shape her analytical and strategic mindset. She earned her MBA in Marketing and Finance from the prestigious Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Further enriching her academic credentials, Rachael also pursued an MBA in Finance from the London Business School, where she honed her financial acumen, a crucial component of her career in biopharma.
Additionally, before embarking on her successful career, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania, providing her with a solid foundational knowledge that has supported her professional endeavors. Rachael's early education at Ardsley High School laid the groundwork for her academic and professional excellence.
Her commitment to professional growth and thought leadership is evident from her previous membership in the Chief organization, a network dedicated to supporting women in executive roles, which exemplifies her dedication to empowering others in the industry. Rachael has used such platforms not only to grow personally but also to inspire and mentor the female leaders of tomorrow in the biopharma space.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Rachael has achieved remarkable milestones that reflect her influence in the biopharmaceutical industry. Her leadership at Harpoon Therapeutics has often been highlighted by the successful launch of new products and the formation of strategic partnerships that have strengthened the company’s market position. Rachael's specialty in strategic business development has allowed her to identify and capitalize on opportunities that drive innovation in biopharma processes and products.
Rachael's perspective as a seasoned executive is invaluable, with her expertise in licensing and negotiating critical alliances setting her apart in the highly competitive biopharma field. As she continues to lead her teams to excellence, Rachael proves to be not only a strategist but also a mentor, guiding junior team members through the intricacies of the biopharma landscape.
In summary, Rachael Lester's blend of strategic foresight, practical experience, and deep understanding of the biopharma industry makes her a notable professional in her field. Her educational background, combined with her executive leadership experiences, positions her as a credible voice in corporate strategy and development within the healthcare sector.
