Meet Rick Winningham: The 2026 HBA Honorable Mentor

Rick E Winningham has shaped the biopharmaceutical industry for more than four decades, advancing scientific innovation and commercial success while deliberately expanding opportunity and visibility for emerging leaders. His career reflects a leadership philosophy rooted in mentorship, sponsorship, and the intentional development of others: a commitment that has influenced countless executives across biotech and biopharma.

In recognition of his impact, Mr. Winningham has been named the 2026 Honorable Mentor by the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA), an award presented annually to a single executive who uses their influence to expand opportunity, advocate for representation, and cultivate talent at every career stage. For Rick, supporting and elevating others is not an afterthought. It is central to his approach to leadership and reflected in a sustained commitment to strengthening leadership across the industry, enabling the innovation and decision-making that lead to medicines that make a difference in people’s lives.

“Being recognized as an HBA Honorable Mentor is a privilege, and it reflects the importance I have long placed on supporting and advancing the talented leaders across the industry who are shaping the future of science and medicine,” said Mr. Winningham. “As a mentor, I strive to champion growth, connection, and opportunity. It’s rewarding to work in alignment with the HBA to inspire each new generation of healthcare professionals as they continue the critical work of improving and transforming patient lives and care.” 

Rick currently serves as CEO and Director of Theravance Biopharma. He has served on the board of directors since July 2013, including as Chairman until October 2024. He has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Theravance Biopharma since the spin-off from Innoviva in June 2014. Earlier in his career, he held senior executive positions at Bristol Myers Squibb, including President of Oncology and Immunology. 

Over more than 20 years at Theravance, Rick has consistently advocated for rising executives, ensuring their contributions are recognized while championing their advancement. Today, more than half of Theravance’s senior leadership team are women, a clear outcome of his sustained commitment to mentorship, sponsorship, and expanding access to leadership. Beyond his own companies, Rick’s influence extends across the broader industry through board roles with the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, the California Healthcare Institute, and California Life Sciences (CLS), where he has continually championed opportunity for leaders around the world. 

"My leadership philosophy centers on creating environments where talented people can grow, be seen, and reach their full potential,” Rick said, “Mentorship and sponsorship aren’t optional; they’re essential to building teams that bring the range of perspectives needed to make better decisions, strengthen organizations, and ultimately improve and transform patient lives and care.” 

A longtime supporter of the HBA, Mr. Winningham has encouraged executives to pursue leadership development, engage with programs such as Boardroom Ready, and seek opportunities for both mentorship and sponsorship. He has personally guided dozens of HBA members and rising leaders, modeling the very leadership the Honorable Mentor award celebrates.

Rick will be honored and deliver a keynote address at the 2026 HBA Global Ascension Leadership Awards Experience, taking place 23–24 April 2026 in San Diego, California. Designed for leaders navigating an increasingly complex healthcare and life sciences landscape, this event convenes forward thinking executives, innovators, and change makers for meaningful dialogue around the ideas, strategies, and solutions shaping the future of the industry.