H3 Biomedicine, a cancer genomics-based drug discovery subsidiary company of Woodcliff Lake pharmaceutical company Eisai, appointed a new executive leadership team Aug. 30.

Ping Zhu was named president and chief scientific officer and will be responsible for the scientific strategy and business direction of H3. Ross Pettit will serve as deputy president, overseeing H3’s business operations, compliance, human resources and business development functions.

“We are delighted to have Ping and Ross assume these key leadership roles within our global Oncology Business Group,” said Terushige Iike, president of Eisai‘s oncology business group,in a prepared statement. “Each are strategic and inspiring leaders who will help us build on the extraordinary momentum that this unique discovery center has achieved since its creation in 2011 as part of Eisai’s efforts toward our vision for a world without cancer.”

Zhu joined H3 in 2012 as associate director of target discovery and genomics and most recently held the position of head of discovery and research. While at H3, he’s played a key role in the advancement of the company’s drug discovery, IND-enabling and translational studies programs. His strategic leadership has been integral in three H3 oncology compounds reaching Phase I and Phase 2 clinical trials.

Zhu’s research has been published in leading scientific journals, including “Cell,” “Nature,” “Cancer Discovery,” “Cancer Cell” and “Nature Communications.”

Pettit joined H3 in 2018 as vice president of clinical operations. He has more than 30 years of drug development experience and has held leadership positions with Otsuka, EMD Serono, Coley, ARIAD, AMAG, Infinity and Beigene.

“I am thrilled to take on this new role and looking forward to working with our colleagues for a new chapter and productive second decade of H3,” said Zhu in a prepared statement. “Our overarching goal remains the same: working to realize the promise of precision oncology to help patients with cancer live healthier, longer lives.”