Todd Farnsworth
Chief Financial Officer, Global Research
Eli Lilly and Company
Since joining Lilly in 1996, Todd has held a variety of key financial and leadership assignments. He has held several director roles including Business Development, Six Sigma (Black Belt and Champion), Manufacturing Finance, and CFO Lilly Australia/New Zealand. In 2012, Todd was promoted to his current role as CFO of Lilly’s Global Research business unit. He has an undergraduate degree in Finance from Indiana University and an MBA from the University of North Carolina. Todd is married and has a 12yr old daughter.
How has the role of financial executive within the life science industry evolved over the last few years?
There continues to be a significant opportunity for the life sciences industry to deliver new solutions to patients world-wide. The pressure for more value from patients, providers, payers, and regulators is not only real, it’s understandable. The financial executive today plays an increasing role in guiding a proper return on our investments. New models and paradigms must be accelerated to work on both sides of the equation – cost and meaningful outcomes.
Describe an initiative or project you will be focusing on in 2014.
In 2014, Todd is working on balancing internal versus external innovation investments.
From your perspective, what are some areas of financial opportunity for the life science industry in 2014-2015?
In the next few years, there continues to be an opportunity to tap external innovation through different models.
What are you most looking forward to regarding the 5th Annual Life Science Financial Forum?
Meeting my peers and learning about cutting edge thinking in our industry
Todd will be one of our distinguished presenters at the 5th Annual Life Science Financial Forum.
