Australia’s leading advocate for life sciences, AusBiotech, today welcomes the appointment of Dr Dell Kingsford Smith to its Board of Directors.
Dell joins the Board with more than 20 years of experience in clinical and commercial strategy across medical technology, pharmaceuticals, and vaccines. Her depth of expertise spans discovery to full commercialisation.
Having recently served as AusBiotech’s 2024 Board Observer, Dell is currently Vice President of Medical Affairs, Market Access, and Government Affairs for Cochlear Ltd Asia Pacific (ASX: COH). In her current role, Dell leads a team that advances patient access through clinical evidence, regulatory policy, and stakeholder advocacy.
Prior to joining Cochlear, Dell spent more than a decade with Janssen, the Pharmaceutical Company of Johnson & Johnson (J&J), in local and global leadership roles spanning market access, pricing, and commercial strategy. Her impactful work with industry stakeholders and the Australian government to streamline regulatory and reimbursement processes earned her the esteemed Medicines Australia Pat Clear Award in 2010.
After relocating to the U.S. with J&J, she drove market access and pricing strategies across oncology, immunology, and infectious diseases. She also contributed to the strategic acquisition and successful commercial integration of several early-stage oncology and haematology biotechnology companies and later led Emerging Market Access and Global Access Policy, addressing evolving healthcare landscapes in the USA, Europe, Japan, and China.
Dr Dell Kingsford Smith said, “I am honoured to have the trust and support of the AusBiotech membership in being elected to the Board. I look forward to working across the broad range of Australian biotech and medtech stakeholders to further strengthen and grow this vital, innovative sector of our economy.”
AusBiotech’s Chair, Dr James Campbell, said, “On behalf of AusBiotech, I am pleased to welcome Dr Dell Kingsford Smith to our Board. Not only does she bring invaluable expertise from discovery to commercialisation, but also an unwavering passion for improving patient access. Her outstanding track record across the life sciences sector makes her an exceptional addition to the Board.”
AusBiotech CEO Rebekah Cassidy said, “I’m delighted that our members have chosen Dell to join our Board and am honoured to work alongside such a diversely experienced set of sector leaders. Their collective expertise and commitment support our organisation’s clear and forward-thinking direction. Dell’s extensive knowledge and experience will provide crucial support in fostering the growth of our members and advancing Australia’s thriving life sciences ecosystem.”
“We acknowledge and thank all the leaders nominated for the recent Board position. AusBiotech was built by industry to be the voice of the life sciences sector, and the commitment of many leaders in supporting our work is deeply appreciated, “said Rebekah.
Effective today the AusBiotech Board is:
