Executive Management

The success of SOS can be attributed, in large part, to its people. The executive management team of SOS is made up of highly educated professionals who are experts in the field of medical affairs. Collectively, this group possesses nearly 200 years of healthcare experience, and the solidity of the management team is enhanced by the tenure of its members, many whom have worked with SOS for nearly a decade.

 

Evan Demestihas, MD, RPhEvan Demestihas, MD, RPh, President & Chief Operating Officer

As the founder of SOS and the pharmaceutical industry’s first Contract Medical Organization (CMO), Dr. Evan Demestihas has served as the leader of the company since its inception. His responsibilities include management and oversight of all SOS business activities. Dr. Demestihas is a 20-year veteran of the pharmaceutical industry, having held prior executive positions in business development and medical affairs with Bristol-Myers Squibb, Sandoz Pharmaceuticals, and Solvay Pharmaceuticals, before founding SOS in 1997.  Dr. Demestihas holds a medical degree from State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Medicine, and a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Long Island University, Schwartz College of Pharmacy, in Brooklyn, New York. He served on the Board of Visitors at Mercer University, Southern School of Pharmacy, from 2000 to 2005 and is on the adjunct faculty. He holds membership in numerous professional organizations including the American Medical Association, American Pharmaceutical Association, Royal Society of Medicine, and American College of Physician Executives.

 

Beth PriceBeth Price, Executive Vice President

Beth Price oversees business development and customer service for all SOS clients. One of her key responsibilities is identifying medical/marketing needs of new and existing clients to ensure that SOS outsourced programs are strategically aligned with the business objectives of the client company. Ms. Price also explores new and innovative solutions to support and enhance companies’ existing Medical Affairs programs, by realigning existing Medical Science Liaison (MSL) teams or creating complementary services. Ms. Price has over 14 years experience within the pharmaceutical industry, the past seven of which have been with SOS. Prior to joining SOS, she held a number of management positions within the healthcare communications industry, representing ad agencies’ account teams and  providing pharmaceutical and biotech clients with strategic marketing solutions. Ms. Price is a renowned speaker on topics related to outsourced Medical Affairs, often conducting workshops and presentations at industry meetings and conferences. Ms. Price graduated with Dean’s List honors from Arizona State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications.

 

Rich MurphyRich Murphy, R.Ph., Senior Vice President, MSL Programs

Rich Murphy is responsible for management of Medical Science Liaison (MSL) field based teams, including recruitment, deployment, training and development, and supervision of MSLs for client programs. His primary objectives are to bridge communication between SOS clients and the management team and ensure the productivity of MSLs to achieve client goals. Prior to joining SOS in 1998, Rich practiced as a clinical pharmacist for 17 years in hospital and retail settings, including owning and operating an independent pharmacy for five of those years. He was employed as a Medical Science Liaison with Solvay Pharmaceuticals before joining SOS in the same capacity. Rich holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Long Island University, Schwartz College of Pharmacy, in New York, and is a member of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy.

 

Ian BancroftIan Bancroft, Senior Vice President, MSL Programs

Ian Bancroft is responsible for program strategy, direction and tactical implementation of both domestic and international Medical Science Liaison (MSL) programs with SOS. As an expert in recruitment and training in the global healthcare market, he manages MSL field based teams worldwide, including recruitment, deployment, and training and development of MSLs and MSL team managers for client programs. In his current position, Ian ensures that MSL programs are tailored to the needs of individual countries and appropriate and adaptable to the many diverse market conditions and desires of local consumers. He also helps ensure that programs are designed to comply with varying local healthcare system guidelines. Prior to his nearly two years with SOS, Ian held medical affairs positions with pharmaceutical companies Pfizer, Pharmacia, and GD Searle, where he worked on global programs. Ian holds a Bachelor of Science in Physiology and Pharmacology from St. Andrews Scotland in the U.K., where he graduated with honors.

 

Scott KraunScott Kraun, Vice President, MSL Programs

Scott Kraun has directed Medical Science Liaison (MSL) programs for SOS since 2000, developing and implementing successful strategic plans for initiating and expanding the MSL role for a number of client companies. In his current role, Scott is responsible for management and oversight of existing business relationships, ensuring that productivity objectives are maximized. He manages field based MSL teams, including recruitment, deployment, training and development, and supervision of MSLs for client programs. Prior to joining SOS, Scott worked for a major pharmaceutical manufacturer, holding positions of increasing responsibility in sales, management, and advocacy development during his decade-long tenure. Scott holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Georgia, in Athens.

 

John WhiteJohn White, Vice President, MSL Programs

John White has been employed with SOS for over five years and is responsible for initiating and directing Medical Science Liaison (MSL) programs and providing key customer support to clients. He manages field based MSL teams, including recruitment, deployment, training and development, and supervision of MSLs, and budget oversight and management for several client programs. He is recognized in the industry as a speaker on issues relating to MSL roles and career paths. Prior to joining SOS, John gained 10 years of hospital pharmacy experience in a variety of clinical and management roles and 10 years in the home infusion industry as a clinical pharmacist, pharmacy manager and branch manager. He also worked for five years as Director of Operations for a specialty mail order pharmacy. John holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and a Master of Science in Pharmacology from St. John’s University, in New York.

 

 

Egwu OkogeriEgwu Okogeri, Vice President, Director of Finance

Egwu Okogeri directs the financial activities of SOS and serves as strategic business advisor to senior management. His responsibilities include developing pricing proposals, reviewing client contracts, and participating in contract negotiations. He sets accounting priorities and oversees the implementation of client billing arrangements. Before joining SOS in 2003, Egwu worked in the New York based corporate office of the SOS parent company for four years in a number of financial management roles. Prior to that time, Egwu spent over 10 years in the retail industry, most recently as Division Finance Manager for Liz Claiborne’s Emerging Business Group. Egwu holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting & Finance from Montclair State University, in New Jersey, and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Pace University, in New York.

 

Tammy HamiltonTammy Hamilton, Vice President, Marketing & Communications

Tammy Hamilton is responsible for the overall strategic planning and implementation of internal and external communications for SOS. She develops and disseminates advertising and promotional materials, oversees all public relations activities, and creates, executes and manages all corporate collateral materials. She also assists in the development of company presentations, business proposals and training program components. Tammy has nearly 20 years experience in marketing and public relations, primarily within the healthcare arena. Prior to her current position, Tammy worked with a sister company of SOS for over four years, most recently as Managing Director, and transferred to the SOS division in 2004. Tammy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Georgia, in Athens, and is a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

 

The Scientific Basis for Commercial Success