Jeff is the Managing Partner of Maytal Capital, a healthcare-focused venture capital firm he founded in 2017, and a Partner at Bridge Builders Collaborative, an early-stage venture firm focused on mental health. He was previously global CEO for Sandoz and Alcon at Novartis Group, where he served on the Executive Committee between 2008 and 2016.

Jeff serves as Chairman at Lykos Therapeutics (formerly MAPS PBC), whose FDA-designated breakthrough therapy for PTSD has completed two successful Phase 3 clinical trials, and as Chairman of LENZ Therapeutics (NASDAQ: LENZ), an ophthalmic biotech whose lead program in presbyopia has also completed its Phase 3 clinical trials. Jeff also serves the board of directors of Amneal Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: AMRX), 908 Devices (NASDAQ: MASS), and Dorian Therapeutics, as well as on several non-profit boards.

Between 2008 and 2016, Jeff served on the Executive Committee of Novartis Group, first as the global CEO of Sandoz, Novartis’s ~$10 billion revenue generic pharma and biosimilar subsidiary and then as the global CEO of Alcon, Novartis’s ~$10 billion revenue eye care division, both of which have been spun out of Novartis as publicly-listed companies. In both roles, Jeff was responsible for leading over 25,000 people across more than 160 countries. Prior to this, Jeff headed Emerging Markets for the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and CIS at Novartis Pharmaceuticals and led Western & Eastern Europe for Novartis Vaccines. He was previously a Senior Director of Strategy & Business Development at Gap Inc. and an Engagement Manager with McKinsey & Co.

Jeff holds an MBA from Harvard University, a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins SAIS, where he studied international economics and emerging markets political economy, and a B.A. in international relations from Carleton College. Jeff was twice named to Fortune’s “40 under 40” global leaders list and has lived in seven countries on four continents. He is married with two daughters and enjoys live music, running, yoga, meditation, skiing, surfing, and travel.

The Psychedelics Business Forum

Standing at the threshold: A view from MAPS PBC Chairman Jeff George

After nearly twenty years of studies on the potential of MDMA-AT for the treatment of PTSD, MAPS PBC is preparing to submit a New Drug Application to the FDA in late 2023, with a response anticipated in 2024.

In this session, MAPS PBC Chairman of the Board Jeff George, former global CEO of Sandoz and Alcon at Novartis Group, shares an update on MAPS PBC's plans for commercialization, and his thoughts on the need for industry-wide cooperation to ensure the safety and success of new treatments requiring drug + therapy in combination.

DISCLAIMER: The safety and efficacy of MDMA-assisted therapy is currently under investigation. It has not yet been approved by the FDA or other regulatory authorities, does not work for everyone, and carries risks even in therapeutic settings.