E. Morrey Atkinson, Ph.D.

Throughout his decades-long career in the biopharmaceutical industry, Morrey has contributed his expertise in the development and commercialization of multiple modality therapeutics across all aspects of preclinical, clinical and commercial manufacturing including small molecules, biologics and cell therapies. He joined Vertex in 2020 and serves on the Executive Committee as Chief Technical Operations Officer and Head of Biopharmaceutical Sciences and Manufacturing Operations. In his role he oversees all aspects of our preclinical, clinical and commercial biopharmaceutical sciences, manufacturing operations and global supply chain functions.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Indiana University and his doctoral degree in biological sciences from Stanford University. Prior to Vertex, Morrey was the Senior Vice President of Global Manufacturing Operations at Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) and was responsible for the global network of internal and external manufacturing for BMS commercial products. He joined BMS in 2012 as the Vice President of Biologics Development and progressed through various roles, including Vice President of Biologics Manufacturing and the Integration Leader for Manufacturing, Product Development and Cell Therapy during the Celgene-BMS Integration. Prior to BMS, Morrey’s career included various scientific and management roles of increasing responsibility at Eli Lilly and Company, Cook Pharmica (now Catalent) and Targeted Genetics Corporation.

Morrey serves on the board of directors for 89bio and is active in advocating for LGBTQ+ equality, including serving on the National Leadership Council for the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund. In 2024, he was named to the Endpoints News LGBTQ+ Leaders in Biopharma list. He is the executive sponsor for Vertex PRIDE, our employee resource network that supports, provides visibility of, and celebrates our LGBTQ+ employees and allies.