Jeanne Bolger has over 25 years of pharmaceutical industry experience in management roles across R&D, Commercial and Business Development. In February 2013, Jeanne started with Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JJDC as Vice President, Venture Investments. Jeanne is based in London, UK at the Johnson & Johnson Innovation Centre. Jeanne’s primary role focuses on investing and managing portfolio investments in the pharmaceuticals and biotechnology areas in Europe. In 2015, Jeanne was named Irish Business Woman of the Year, in the overseas category, by IMAGE Magazine.
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Q: How do the London Innovation Centre (LIC) and JJDC operate as one team? What does this mean in practice?
A: JJDC often acts as a window into the London Innovation Centre (LIC). Companies typically approach JJDC looking for investment, and from there, the team works together to figure out the best approach to support the company through investment or other collaborative structures. JJDC is a strategic investor. JJDC works closely with scientific experts in the Innovation Centre and with entrepreneurs to invest in technologies and potential products that are of potential interest to Johnson & Johnson’s pipeline. When we engage with entrepreneurs, academics and innovators, we work to figure out the best way to move forward. We do not decide upfront if we’re going to go down the road of equity or collaboration, rather we look at the needs of the individual company and entrepreneurs and build a plan around those needs. Our co-location with the Innovation Centre teams allows us to engage in a meaningful way with the innovation ecosystem and creates the platform for a beneficial relationship for all involved. With this, it becomes critical that JJDC and the Innovation Centre works closely together through the process.
