Power Moves: IBX sees a shakeup and local companies appoint diversity-focused leaders

Power Moves is a column where we chart the comings and goings of talent across the region. Got a new hire, new gig or promotion? Email us: philly@technical.ly.

Center City-headquartered Independence Blue Cross is saying goodbye to its longtime leader, CEO Daniel Hilferty, at the end of 2020, as he’s stepping back from his role to instead act as a company advisor through 2022, the company announced last week.

He’s leaving the post after 10 years, and after leading Independence Health Group’s Medicaid managed care subsidiary, AmeriHealth Caritas, for 13 years prior.

“From the day I took the job, the Board has worked with me on succession planning and talent development for the organization. The personal timing is right for me and my family,” Hilferty said in a statement. “Importantly, I know the company is well positioned to succeed now and into the future under Greg’s tremendous leadership.”

Hilferty’s successor is current Chief Finance Officer Gregory Deavens, who joined IBX in 2017 after various roles in the life insurance industry. He lead the company’s purchase of its corporate headquarters at 1901 Market St. and directed the design of the Independence Center for Innovation, which opened in October. Deavens will also be the first African American to lead the insurer in the company’s history.

“I am grateful for the confidence that Dan and the Board have expressed in me to lead this great company,” Deavens said in a statement. “I look forward to working with the tremendous Independence team, continuing our legacy of enabling access to affordable quality healthcare, driving innovation and promoting diversity and inclusion. At the same time, we will redouble our efforts to serve members and eradicate racial inequities that exist in the delivery of healthcare and other aspects of our society.”

The transition of the role takes effect Jan. 1, 2021.

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Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), the org of sports teams and media properties that owns the 76ers and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, announced earlier this month it had named David Gould to the newly created position of chief diversity and impact officer.

David Gould.

Gould’s appointment comes less than a month after HBSE’s managing partners unveiled the company’s racial equity action plan, which includes a commitment of $20 million to fight systemic racism and champion equality. Gould will lead HBSE’s internal and external diversity and inclusion standards, programs and initiatives across the organization, the company said in a statement. 

“As a Black man, former college athlete, and native Philadelphian, this work is deeply personal to me and I believe that the sports and entertainment industry has an important role to play in the push for social and racial equality,” Gould said in a statement. “It’s an honor to be leading this new priority for HBSE and I am excited for the positive impact we will have for both our staff and communities.”

Gould had been appointed executive director of the Sixers Youth Foundation in April 2020.

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Commercial gene therapy company Spark Therapeutics recently announced the appointments of two new leadership team members, a new chief medical officer and head of business development.

Gallia Levy joins Spark from Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, where she served as the VP and global head of the rare blood disorders franchise in product development.

“Dr. Levy’s passion for hematology and gene therapy research are immediately evident and is exactly the perspective needed to achieve our goal of unlocking the full potential of gene therapy,” said CEO Jeffrey Marrazzo in a statement. “Especially during this pivotal time in hemophilia research, Dr. Levy’s deep understanding of rare blood disorders and the community will help accelerate our ability to deliver potentially transformative gene therapies for hemophilia, while progressing potential gene therapies for other genetic disease across our pipeline.”

Spark also appointed former Pfizer VP of Corporate Development Derek Hicks as its new head of business development. Hicks joins Spark after 16 years at Pfizer, and will help advance potential partnerships and innovative solutions to further Spark’s gene therapy leadership.

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Earlier this month, Camden’s Campbell Soup Company announced Camille Pierce will be joining the company Oct. 26 as VP and chief culture officer. In this newly created role on the company’s leadership team, Pierce will lead Campbell’s inclusion and diversity strategy and culture strategy.

Pierce joins Campbell from Whirlpool Corporation, where she recently served as senior director of global inclusion and diversity, and has previously spent a 20-year tenure at Procter & Gamble, where she held marketing and human resources roles.

“We’re approaching inclusion and diversity and culture change in a comprehensive and systemic way, by making it a company-wide priority supported by an integrated plan with measurable goals and a multi-year approach,” CEO Mark Clouse said in a statement. “Camille’s leadership and expertise will add tremendous value to our team, and she will be critical in our ongoing progress to build an inclusive and winning culture.”

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Leaders in marketing, bioscience and technology were recently recognized at University City Science Center’s 2020 Nucleus Awards, which celebrate “ecosystem builders that fuel discovery, demolish barriers, and foster an innovative future.” This year’s honorees represented three categories: Commercialization, Convener and Cultivator.

Benjamin Doranz, president and CEO of Integral Molecular, was recognized for the Commercialization award, as Integral’s work dramatically shifted to research the COVID-19 virus. Aurora Archer, cofounder of marketing firm The Bellatrix Group and the “Opt-In” podcast, was recognized for her work in the Convener category. And Sylvester Mobley, founder and CEO of Coded by Kids was honored in the Cultivator category.

Learn more about the trio here.

P.S. Want more good news? Check out who won in the 2020 Technical.ly Awards.