James CONNOLLY

About James CONNOLLY

James Edward Connolly is a seasoned life sciences executive with extensive experience in the pharmaceutical and vaccine industries. He serves as an independent director of Valneva SE, having joined the company in 2022, where he plays an active role in corporate governance and board oversight, including committee leadership according to Valneva’s governance disclosures. His profile reflects more than three decades of experience in healthcare, built through senior leadership positions at major international companies. Prior to joining Valneva, Connolly held progressively more senior responsibilities across the pharmaceutical sector, ultimately reaching executive-level roles including Executive Vice President and General Counsel. This background gave him a strong command of corporate strategy, legal and regulatory affairs, compliance, risk management, and organizational transformation. His combination of operational judgment and governance expertise is particularly relevant in highly regulated industries such as biotechnology and vaccines. At Valneva, Connolly contributes to the supervision of a company focused on the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of vaccines for infectious diseases. As a board member, he helps guide strategic decision-making, assess business risks, strengthen internal controls, and support the company’s long-term development in a global and highly specialized market. His experience in life sciences, listed-company governance, and regulatory environments enhances the board’s capacity to support Valneva’s growth ambitions. Beyond Valneva, James Connolly has also been involved with other organizations connected to health and public service, underscoring a long-standing commitment to medical, scientific, and social issues. Overall, his career illustrates the value of a highly experienced director who combines strategic insight, governance discipline, and deep sector knowledge to support a listed healthcare company operating in an international setting.