Massachusetts-based Verastem, a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing drugs to treat breast and other cancers by targeting cancer stem cells, has appointed Robert Forrester Chief Operating Officer.

Forrester joins Verastem with significant experience in developing life science companies. He has served as the CEO, COO, or CFO of private and public life science companies including Forma Therapeutics, CombinatoRx and Coley. Forrester also served as a managing director of the Proprietary Investment Group at MeesPierson and has worked in investment banking on M&A, public and private finance transactions at BZW and UBS.