Kenneth Custer

Ken served most recently as president and general manager of Lilly Canada, where he led the commercialization and launch of key medicines for diabetes and chronic weight management. Previously, Ken was senior vice president and head of corporate business development, overseeing licensing and partnership deals, including the acquisitions of Akouos, Prevail and Protomer Technologies.

Since joining Lilly in 2009, Ken has held roles in sales, marketing and R&D, where he led early tirzepatide development and guided Lilly’s R&D transformation efforts to drive industry-leading speed and productivity.

Ken earned a bachelor's degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from Reed College and a Ph.D. in neuroscience from the University of Washington. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.