Gregory D. Kunst has built a career defined by steady progression, strategic thinking, and a consistent focus on advancing ophthalmic care. With more than two decades of experience across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical technology, his work reflects a rare combination of commercial insight and scientific ambition. From early roles in health economics to leading one of the most significant developments in regenerative eye therapy, Kunst’s professional path illustrates how leadership can shape both companies and clinical outcomes.
Early Foundations
Kunst’s academic background laid the groundwork for his career in global healthcare strategy. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Brigham Young University in 2002, followed by a Master of Business Administration in General Management and Strategy from Vanderbilt University in 2006. His education reflects a clear orientation toward business leadership, but his later career shows how he applied these principles within highly specialized medical fields.
He further strengthened his strategic capabilities through executive programs, including advanced leadership and strategy training during his time working within global pharmaceutical environments. This combination of formal education and continued professional development positioned him to navigate both the commercial and clinical dimensions of the healthcare industry.
Early Career and Market Access Expertise
Kunst began his professional career as a Project Manager at CooperVision from 2003 to 2004. This early role introduced him to the operational side of ophthalmic products and gave him initial exposure to a sector that would later define his career.
After completing his MBA, he joined Kinetic Concepts, Inc., where he held several increasingly senior roles between 2006 and 2010. His work during this period focused heavily on health economics, reimbursement strategy, and market access across multiple regions. These responsibilities were critical in shaping how medical technologies reach patients, particularly in systems where regulatory and financial considerations determine adoption.
During his tenure, Kunst contributed to expanding the company’s presence in international markets, including Asia Pacific and Latin America. His ability to align economic strategy with clinical value became a defining feature of his leadership style, setting the stage for future roles in larger global organizations.
Building Global Strategy at Alcon
In 2010, Kunst joined Alcon, a global leader in eye care, where he transitioned into marketing and strategic leadership roles. Over the next five years, he played a key role in developing and expanding business units focused on glaucoma and retinal diseases.
As Global Product Director for the Glaucoma Surgery Business Unit, he was involved in launching and scaling a relatively new segment within the company. This required not only product positioning but also coordination across international markets, regulatory environments, and clinical stakeholders.
He later led efforts within the Retina Pharmaceutical Business Unit, where his responsibilities included managing complex commercial relationships and supporting the development and promotion of retinal therapies. This period marked a shift in his career from market access specialist to a broader commercial leader with global influence.
Expanding Impact at Glaukos Corporation
Kunst joined Glaukos Corporation in 2015, where he continued to build on his experience in ophthalmology. Initially serving in a senior leadership role focused on global market access and business development, he later advanced to Vice President of Global Marketing and Market Access.
At Glaukos, he was involved in expanding the company’s international footprint and strengthening its product positioning in a competitive and rapidly evolving field. His leadership contributed to the company’s transition from a more narrowly focused organization into a broader, multi-platform business with a growing global presence.
This phase of his career demonstrated his ability to scale operations while maintaining a clear strategic direction. It also reinforced his reputation as a leader capable of aligning innovation with market realities, an essential balance in the life sciences sector.
Leading Innovation at Aurion Biotech
In 2021, Kunst founded Aurion Biotech and assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer. This move represented a significant step from corporate leadership into entrepreneurial execution, with a focus on advancing cell therapy solutions for serious eye conditions.
Under his leadership, Aurion concentrated on developing treatments for corneal endothelial disease, an area with substantial unmet medical need. The company achieved important milestones, including raising over 200 million dollars in funding and progressing clinical and regulatory efforts across multiple regions.
One of the most notable achievements during this period was the regulatory approval of a cell therapy treatment in Japan, marking a significant advancement in the field of regenerative medicine for ophthalmology. The development demonstrated the potential of cell-based therapies to address conditions that traditionally required more invasive surgical approaches.
Kunst also oversaw the company’s expansion in terms of team size, geographic presence, and clinical development programs. His leadership combined long-term scientific vision with disciplined execution, allowing the organization to move from early-stage development to tangible clinical impact.
Ongoing Roles and Industry Contribution
Beyond his work at Aurion, Kunst has remained active across the broader life sciences ecosystem. He serves as an Independent Board Director at Pr3vent, Inc., a company focused on advancing newborn eye screening technologies. In this role, he contributes strategic oversight and industry expertise to support early-stage innovation.[GK1]
He has also worked as a strategic advisor to Oculogica, where he provides guidance on initiatives related to ophthalmic diagnostics. These roles reflect his continued engagement with emerging technologies and his commitment to improving patient outcomes through innovation.
Recognition and Professional Standing
Kunst’s contributions to biotechnology and healthcare have been recognized through several industry awards. These include the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2024, as well as honors acknowledging leadership and clinical advancement in the life sciences sector.
Such recognition underscores the impact of his work, particularly in bridging the gap between scientific development and real-world application. His career reflects a consistent focus on delivering meaningful progress in patient care while building organizations capable of sustaining that progress.
Gregory D. Kunst’s professional journey illustrates how expertise in strategy, market access, and leadership can translate into meaningful advancements in healthcare. From his early roles shaping reimbursement frameworks to leading the development of innovative therapies, his career has remained closely tied to the evolution of ophthalmology.
His work continues to influence how new treatments are developed, positioned, and delivered, reinforcing the importance of integrated leadership in the life sciences industry.
[GK1]Need to add current Valitor role
