22 March 2021 - - US-based healthcare supply chain management solutions, retail pharmacy, community oncology and specialty care, and healthcare information solutions company McKesson's Ontada oncology technology and insights business has hired real-world data expert Susan Shiff as president, the company said.

In this role, Shiff will continue to build on Ontada's momentum in delivering real-world insights to transform the fight against cancer.

As Ontada's new leader, Shiff will be focused on accelerating business growth by continuing to enhance its world-class suite of oncology provider technologies, while leveraging the business' deep expertise in oncology insights, data and real-world evidence to improve patient outcomes.

Derek Rago will remain with McKesson and has been named senior vice president of strategic initiatives for Ontada.

Shiff has more than 30 years of progressive experience with life science and healthcare companies. Most recently, she served as senior vice president and Head for US-based Merck and Co, Inc.'s (NYSE: MRK) Center for Observational and Real-World Evidence.

She also helped define the investment strategy for the USD 500m Merck Global Health Innovation Fund, including new ventures with digital health companies.

Prior to Merck, Shiff began her career with the Center of Disease Control and Prevention and also worked for life science leaders including Johnson and Johnson, Roche and Pfizer. Shiff holds an M.B.A. from Cornell University and a Ph.D. from the University of California at Los Angeles.

Ontada is an oncology technology and insights business dedicated to transforming the fight against cancer.

Part of McKesson Corp., Ontada was founded on the core belief that precise insights delivered exactly at the point of need can save more patients' lives. We connect the full patient journey by combining technologies used by The US Oncology Network and other community oncology providers with real-world data and research relied on by all top 15 global life sciences companies. Our work helps accelerate innovation and power the future of cancer care.

McKesson in healthcare supply chain management solutions, retail pharmacy, community oncology and specialty care, and healthcare information solutions.