MLA Places Devin Smith as IO Biotechs First General Counsel

Hanover, MD (March 14, 2023) — Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA), the world's leading legal search firm, announced the placement of Devin Smith as IO Biotech’s first general counsel. The search was conducted by Nancy Reiner, partner, and Ron Ciardiello, managing director, both with MLA's In-House Counsel Recruiting group in Boston.

IO Biotech is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel, immune-modulating cancer therapies based on its T-win® technology platform. Its product candidates are designed to induce the immune system to simultaneously target and disrupt multiple pathways that regulate tumor-induced immunosuppression.

As IO Biotech’s first general counsel, Devin will oversee all legal matters and the corporate compliance program as the company prepares to launch its first commercial product.

“It was a pleasure to partner with IO Biotech to find their first general counsel,” said Nancy Reiner.  “With over 16 years in leadership roles in the pharma/biotech sector, including working as the GC at two clinical-stage biotech companies over the past five years, Devin is a perfect fit for IO Biotech’s first general counsel,” added Ron Ciardiello. 

Before joining IO Biotech, Devin served as general counsel for Yumanity Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovery and development of therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. Devin’s background also includes biopharmaceutical general counsel roles at Minerva Neurosciences, Stallergenes Greer and EMD Serono, Inc. Prior his general counsel roles, he was a partner with Nixon Peabody, first as an associate and later making partner. He began his legal career as corporate counsel for NEC Technologies and BBN Planet, Inc. Devin earned his J.D. from Suffolk University Law School and his B.A. from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.