He stands at the forefront of developing innovative therapies for patients afflicted by various eye diseases.
WOODINVILLE, WA, April 26, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ — Gregory D. Kunst has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
With a career spanning over two decades, Mr. Kunst has established himself as a distinguished professional in the field of ophthalmology and biotechnology. Currently serving as the chief executive officer at Aurion Biotech, he stands at the forefront of developing innovative therapies for patients afflicted by various eye diseases. His leadership has been instrumental in raising $132 million over the past three years, which has significantly advanced the company’s cell therapy program from its academic roots to an anticipated phase three clinical trial.
Mr. Kunst’s career trajectory is marked by a series of strategic roles that have shaped his expertise in global marketing and market access. Prior to his current role, he was a vice president at the Glaukos Corporation from 2015 to 2021, where he led the company’s expansion to over 20 countries and drove revenue growth from zero to $300 million. His tenure at Alcon from 2010 to 2015 saw him initiate two new business units focused on glaucoma surgery and retina pharmaceuticals. Earlier positions at Acelity and CooperVision further solidified his reputation as a leader adept at navigating complex market landscapes.
In addition to his executive roles, Mr. Kunst contributes his insights as a board member for Pr3vent INC and a strategic advisor at OCULOGICA. His commitment to industry advancement is also evident through his memberships with Ophthalmic World Leaders and the American-European Congress of Ophthalmic Surgery. Likewise, he served on the steering committee for the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute at the University of California Irvine from 2019 to 2021.
Building upon his professional achievements, Mr. Kunst’s educational background laid the foundation for his success. He initially studied economics at Brigham Young University, from which he earned a Bachelor of Science in 2002. Following this accomplishment, he completed an MBA in general management and strategy from the Owen Graduate School of Management in 2006. Additional executive education to his credit includes programs at The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth and Novartis.
In accounting for his success, Mr. Kunst attributes the guidance of his father, an accomplished entrepreneur whose example instilled in him a strong work ethic and a drive for innovation. This influence is evident in Mr. Kunst’s dedication to ophthalmology—a field where he has witnessed firsthand the life-changing impact of restoring vision to those who were once blind.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Mr. Kunst enjoys skiing and spending quality time with his family and dogs. Looking ahead, he is committed to combating corneal blindness through the development of new cell therapies aimed at providing accessible treatment options globally—a testament to his dedication to making a tangible difference in the world through healthcare innovation. His contributions to healthcare were recognized when he was honored as Healthcare Executive of the Year by Puget Sound Business Journal in 2023—an accolade that underscores his influence and commitment within the industry.
About Marquis Who’s Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Marquis celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2023, and Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. Marquis® publications may be visited at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website at www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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