Ian F. Smith
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Ian Smith joined Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in November 2001. Prior to joining Vertex, Mr. Smith served as a partner in the Life Science and Technology Practice Group of Ernst & Young LLP, an accounting firm, from 1999 to 2001. As Vertex’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and member of the Vertex Executive Team, Mr. Smith holds responsibility for core functions at Vertex, including Finance and Accounting, Investor Relations, Information Systems and Worldwide Operations.
Mr. Smith received a B.A. with honors in Accounting and Finance from Manchester Metropolitan University, and Mr. Smith is a current member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales, and the Financial Executives Institute.
Mr. Smith is a member of the Board of Directors of Acorda Therapeutics, Infinity Pharmaceuticals, and TolerRx Inc.
Ian F. Smith
Financial & Business Advisor
“When I joined the company, Vertex was well-respected for its innovation and science. However, the challenge remained to advance the science toward product creation and to build a pharmaceutical business that has the opportunity to create many products for major diseases. This required a large amount of capital, an investment balance between early research and product development, and now an investment in the potential launch of a drug for a significant disease. Vertex is getting closer to the position of realizing the value of its commitment to innovative science with a major product for HCV infection.”
“The business of drug development is a marathon. Never a sprint. It’s endlessly challenging. But it’s also rewarding to be part of an enterprise whose goal is to create hope and make a difference in the lives of millions of people. Those at Vertex would not have it any other way.”