Habib Dable

Habib Dable will be awarded an honorary doctorate of letters at the University of New Brunswick’s197th Encaenia on the Fredericton campus on Wednesday, May 27.

Habib Dable is a leader in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors with more than 25 years of international experience. He holds a BBA from the University of New Brunswick, earned in 1991, and an MBA earned in 1994.

After graduating, he joined Bayer Canada and moved through senior roles in Canada, the United States and overseas. In 2015, he became president of U.S. pharmaceuticals, overseeing work across cardiology, hematology, neurology, oncology and women’s health. His responsibilities included leading teams, guiding product launches and managing long‑term growth in complex health‑care markets.

Habib later became president and chief executive officer of Acceleron Pharma. During his tenure, the company advanced late‑stage programs and strengthened its path to market. In 2019, Acceleron delivered its first major therapy to patients and advanced a second program in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Over five years, Habib helped build the organization, raise capital and guide the company to its sale to Merck in 2021. He has since focused on board service, advisory work, mentorship and selective investment roles.

His work has been widely recognized. Institutional Investor named him a Top-Ranked Mid‑cap Biotech CEO in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Pharmaceutical Executive included him on its Emerging Leaders list in 2016. His experience spans partnerships, product development and growth strategies across the United States and international markets. He is known for sound judgment, steady leadership and attention to patient needs.

Habib has longstanding ties to UNB. The faculty of management awarded him an alumnus certificate of achievement in 2016. He established the Joseph M. Dable Scholarship, which provides full tuition for entrepreneurial students in the faculty of management.

In 2023–2024, he served as executive‑in‑residence, meeting with students to discuss leadership, career paths and decision‑making. Through the Dable Family Foundation, he also supports philanthropic work connected to education and community life.

Habib credits family influence, particularly lessons from his father, for shaping his ethics and perseverance. His career reflects sustained effort in complex health‑care settings and a commitment to mentoring the next generation. He remains connected to UNB and to New Brunswick, returning often to share experience and help students link classroom learning with real‑world practice.