Angeliki Cooney
Angeliki Cooney, based in Wynantskill, NY, has devoted the past two decades to spearheading innovations in the life sciences sector. Her career is marked by significant contributions to developing treatments for widespread chronic illnesses and specific rare diseases, including cancer. Her core mission is to ensure that pioneering medical therapies are accessible to patients, transforming promising scientific discoveries into tangible health benefits.
Her extensive experience encompasses advising biopharma enterprises across all scales, such as omnichannel engagement, digital transformation, data analytics, and strategic commercial operations. She also has expertise in marketing and medical affairs, where her strategies consistently bridge the gap between technological innovation and business objectives.
Angeliki has also made her mark by developing several proprietary SaaS solutions for the life sciences industry and is credited with holding three patents in this niche. Her approach is deeply personalized, focusing on understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by each client's organization, and she collaborates closely with stakeholders to ensure that the solutions she provides enhance their operational effectiveness.
Career Overview and Key Achievements
As Senior Vice President of Life Sciences at Avenga, Angeliki was instrumental in driving the company's strategic expansion into the U.S. market. Avenga, a digital engineering and consulting leader, partners with top-tier pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Under her guidance, Avenga developed a solid client base, significantly enhancing its market presence.
Before Avenga, Angeliki was the Principal Group Lead of Commercial Excellence at Axtria. In this role, she was responsible for the commercial strategy that saw the company's business grow exponentially, achieving a 100% increase in scale within just one year. Her innovative client engagement strategies also led to substantial growth in the biotech sector on the West Coast.
Her career includes impactful roles at Gartner as Senior Director of Life Sciences Consulting, where she facilitated stronger collaborations between I.T. departments and business units within life sciences companies. Her resume also boasts senior positions at New York Life Insurance, IMS Health, and Z.S. Associates, where she played a crucial role in leveraging digital technologies and data analytics to enhance healthcare outcomes.
While at IMS Health, she pioneered an innovation incubator that developed cutting-edge analytical tools, granting several patents and establishing a new business line within the company.
Academic Credentials and Early Inspirations
Angeliki's educational background is impressive, with an MBA from Harvard Business School and an M.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Patra, Greece. Her passion for the pharmaceutical industry was kindled at a young age during a summer internship in her godfather's pharmacy, where she was intrigued by the various medicines and their potential to cure ailments. This early exposure laid the foundation for her future career in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.
Personal Life and Leisure Activities
Outside of her demanding career, Angeliki enjoys a rich family life. She is married and has a son who is a gifted pianist, has won numerous awards, and is aspiring to a career in classical music. Her husband, Brian, is a respected professor and author with notable publications in political history.
The family is passionate about skiing, a hobby that became central to their lives after relocating to Wynantskill to be closer to the major ski resorts on the East Coast. This move was driven by their desire to pursue their skiing interests and spend more quality time together.
Community Engagement and Cultural Ties
During the Syrian civil war, Angeliki and her family were actively involved in humanitarian efforts, providing essential support to refugees in Athens. She connects deeply with her Greek heritage, frequently traveling back to Greece to visit family and enjoy her homeland's rich cultural and scenic beauty.
Angeliki Cooney's life and work are characterized by her dedication to advancing medical science, her commitment to her family, and her active engagement in philanthropic activities. Her career seamlessly integrates her professional achievements with her personal values and community service, showcasing a life dedicated to bettering the world through science, education, and kindness.
