Vertex poaches new finance chief from Ironwood Pharmaceuticals

Vertex lured Tom Graney away from Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, appointing him as its new senior vice president and chief financial officer.

He will join the Boston-based biotech firm next week, when he will be responsible for the development and execution of Vertex’s financial strategy and operations.

Graney will report to Vertex’s chief operating office Ian Smith, who said: “As Vertex continues its evolution to a leading global biotech, it is critical that we continue to build a strong and experienced leadership team.

“Tom has the ideal blend of financial acumen, leadership skills, and industry experience that will be important as Vertex grows and expands as a global company."

Graney most recently spent three years at Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, overseeing its Finance, Corporate Strategy, Corporate Development, Quality, Supply Chain, IT, Corporate Communications and Investor Relations functions.

Prior to that he served at Johnson & Johnson for 20 years in the US and abroad, rising to worldwide VP of finance and CFO for its Ethicon Surgical Care business.

At Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Graney’s replacement as interim chief financial officer will be Gina Consylman, who currently serves as the Cambridge, Massachusetts firm’s VP of finance and chief accounting officer.