Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | June 8, 2026 | Worcester Business Journal 9 Jochen Salfeld Vice president, head of the AbbVie Cures Office and AbbVie Bioresearch Center, and site head of Cambridge Research Center AbbVie, in Worcester Headquarters: North Chicago, Illinois Age: 66 Employees: 57,000 Mass. employees: 2,000 Annual net revenue: $61.16 billion (2025) Few individuals have had a greater influence on Worcester's emergence as a life sciences hub than Salfeld. Arriving before construction began on AbbVie's Worcester campus, he helped transform a Cambridge startup into one of the region's largest biotechnology employers and played a role in devel- oping Humira, one of the world's most successful medicines. As he retires June 29, his legacy includes decades of scientific leadership, a $70-million ex- pansion of AbbVie's Worcester campus, and a stron- ger life sciences ecosystem. In recognition of those contributions, the Worcester-based Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives incubator honored him with its 2026 Dr. Abraham W. Haddad Award. - B.K. Why do you do business in Central Mass.? Central Massachusetts has a great combination of scientific, operational, and commercial talent, along with the space and quality of life that allow people to build careers and communities. Odile Smith Site head & general manager Bristol Myers Squibb, in Devens Headquarters: Lawrence Township, New Jersey Total employees: 32,500 Central Mass. employees: 1,680 Annual revenue: $48.2 billion (2025) Bristol Myers Squibb is one of the largest biophar- ma firms in the world, and its Devens-based facility managed by Smith is a key part of its portfolio. In 2026, the Devens site was named a Global Lighthouse by the World Economic Forum, the only manufacturing site in North America to receive the designation that year. e award honors facilities that have successfully scaled Industry 4.0 technolo- gies, which include AI, gene editing, and advanced robotics. e Devens site is Bristol Myers Squibb's flagship factory and lab campus for some of its most complex medicines, especially biologic drugs and personalized cell therapies for cancer. A native of France, Smith moved to Massachusetts in the aermath of the COVID-19 pandemic with 16 years of experience at pharmaceutical firm Sanofi Pasteur. Since Smith took charge of the Devens campus in 2021, the site has expanded its role in manufacturing biologics and cell therapies while Bristol Myers Squibb's annual revenue has grown to $48.2 billion.. e firm is now Central Massachu- setts' largest biopharma employer. - E.C. Jon Weaver President & CEO Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives, in Worcester Age: 41 Employees: 12 Annual revenue: $5 million Weaver has been the premier champion of Worcester's life sciences industry over the last de- cade. In 2025, his MBI incubator launched a work- force division, helped secure Tech Hub designation alongside Worcester Polytechnic Institute, support- ed $1.3 million in workforce training funding, and expanded programs connecting startups to inves- tors. As Worcester competes with larger biotech clusters, Weaver remains one of the industry's most visible advocates and strongest voices for regional growth. - B.K. What unique skill sets you apart from others? I am in a unique position where we are driving growth in a sector with clear momentum and direct benefits to the region. It's easy to motivate partners around a mission with demonstrable impact. What is one habit powerful leaders should practice every day? Learning. I am constantly listening to podcasts, engaging AI, speaking to part- ners, and reading to identify best practices. Why do you do business in Central Mass.? e region is home to outstanding talent and partners focused on making Central Massachusetts a global hub for the life sciences industry. Tom Roberts President & general manager U.S. Rentschler Biopharma SE, in Milford Headquarters: Laupheim, Germany Age: 58 Employees: 1,400 Central Mass. employees: 270 e transformation of Rentschler Biopharma's Mil- ford campus into a major biologics manufacturing hub has made Roberts a significant figure in Central Massa- chusetts' life sciences economy. Under his leadership, the company completed the largest expansion in its history, transitioned the site into a multi-product manufacturing facility, and strengthened its ability to support multiple pharmaceutical clients simultaneously. As biotech com- panies race to bring new therapies to market, Roberts oversees a critical link in the industry's manufacturing supply chain. - B.K. What unique skill sets you apart from others? I combine transparency with empowerment, fostering a culture where teams feel valued and motivated to take ownership while building trust through open commu- nication. What is one habit powerful leaders should prac- tice every day? Active listening. Remaining open to learning from your team's insights encourages dialogue, accelerates decision-making, and empowers people. Why do you do business in Central Mass.? We strategically chose Milford for its location between Cambridge and Worcester, providing access to top-tier talent, innovation, and research institutions. L I F E S C I E N C E S P OW E R 1 0 0 "Power influences and inspires positive change, transcending corporate command by focusing on navigating uncertainty and balancing scientific, operational, and financial priorities." - Tom Roberts, Rentschler Biopharma PHOTO | COURTESY RENTSCHLER BIOPHARMA SE

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