Life Sciences Industry Executive Pay Experts

Cody is a Principal at Semler Brossy with over a decade of experience in executive compensation. He is known for his approachable style and ability to help boards and management teams navigate complex pay and governance challenges with clarity and confidence. His in-house experience at Goldman Sachs enables him to bridge management and board perspectives, fostering constructive dialogue and easing decision-making in high-stakes situations.

Cody has advised both public and private companies across the technology, life sciences, and medical device sectors, with particular expertise in IPO readiness, SPAC transitions, and private equity–backed models. He frequently supports boards during critical decisions, including CEO transitions, IPO pay design, and the development of hybrid compensation structures for long-term private portfolio companies. He is recognized for rolling up his sleeves in complex situations, such as live modeling of pay scenarios with boards to illuminate tradeoffs and build consensus.

Before joining Semler Brossy, Cody spent five years as a consultant within the Rewards Solutions practice of Aon and three years in the compensation function at Goldman Sachs, where he partnered with senior leaders on a range of issues.

Phillip Pennell joined Semler Brossy in July 2016. He has worked with boards and management teams at public and private companies across a wide range of industries, with a particular focus on incentive program design, turnarounds, and activist investors. Phillip has a BA from Claremont McKenna College.