Cell Therapeutics, a Seattle-based company focused on translating science into novel cancer therapies, has appointed former OncoMed Pharmaceuticals executive, Steven E. Benner, M.D., M.H.S., as its executive vice president and chief medical officer.

Benner will take over all drug development activities at Cell Therapeutics. Before his time at OncoMed, Benner served as CMO at Protein Design Labs, where he was accountable for all clinical development, clinical operations, biometry, regulatory affairs and safety. Prior to PDL he held several senior executive roles at Bristol-Myers Squibb in global development, life cycle management and licensing and alliances.