Decode Genetics' CEO, Kári Stefánsson, resigns from his position
Hey there, folks! Listen up, because we've got some exciting news from the world of genetics. Kári Stefánsson, the founder, and long-time CEO of DeCode Genetics has finally stepped down from his leadership role after an incredible 29-year tenure. This moment signifies the end of an era for one of Iceland's most influential scientific figures.
New faces at the helm
Kári Stefánsson's leadership reign will now be shared by Dr. Unnur Þorsteinsdóttir and Dr. Patrick Sulem, both seasoned researchers at Icelandic Genetics. These two powerhouses will jointly govern the company's operations in Iceland.
Decades of innovation
In 1996, Kári Stefánsson established DeCode Genetics, a company that grew to be a global trailblazer in the realm of human genetics under his leadership. The company's groundbreaking research caught the attention of Amgen, a U.S.-based pharmaceutical giant that acquired the company in 2012. DeCode Genetics' cutting-edge work was absorbed into broader medical applications.
Meet the new bosses
Dr. Unnur Þorsteinsdóttir started her journey with DeCode Genetics in 2000, most recently serving as the company's Director of Genetic Research. She's not just an expert in her field but also a professor at the University of Iceland's Faculty of Medicine and once served as Dean of the School of Health Sciences from 2022 to 2024.
Unnur expressed her gratitude for being part of the research that put Iceland on the map in the field of human genetics. "I feel as inspired today as I was on my first day," she said, indicating her determination to continue pushing the boundaries of genetic research.
Dr. Patrick Sulem joined DeCode Genetics in 2002, bringing his background in epidemiology and public health to the table. He led the company's Clinical Sequencing Project and played a significant role in research on genetic factors underlying numerous diseases. Sulem reaffirmed his commitment to harnessing the power of genetics to drive medical science forward.
A salute to a pioneer
Jay Bradner, Amgen's Executive Vice President of Research and Development, acknowledged Kári Stefánsson's pivotal role in the success of DeCode Genetics. "We are grateful for Kári's contributions and remain committed to supporting Iceland's position as a hub for world-class genetic research," he concluded.
And there you have it, folks! A new era begins for DeCode Genetics as Kári Stefánsson steps down, and Unnur Þorsteinsdóttir and Patrick Sulem take the reins. We're excited to see what groundbreaking discoveries they'll make next! Keep your eyes peeled for more updates on this fascinating world of genetics. Cheers!
- Unnur Þorsteinsdóttir, previously the Director of Genetic Research at DeCode Genetics, will now jointly govern the company's operations in Iceland alongside Dr. Patrick Sulem.
- Under Kári Stefánsson's leadership, DeCode Genetics evolved into a globally recognized pioneer in human genetics, eventually being acquired by the pharmaceutical giant Amgen in 2012.
- Dr. Unnur Þorsteinsdóttir, who served as Dean of the School of Health Sciences at the University of Iceland from 2022 to 2024, has shown continued enthusiasm for genetic research, stating, "I feel as inspired today as I was on my first day."
- The advancements achieved by DeCode Genetics over the years, under the leadership of Kári Stefánsson, have solidified Iceland's position as a hub for world-class genetic research, as acknowledged by Jay Bradner, Amgen's Executive Vice President of Research and Development.
- Dr. Patrick Sulem, who joined DeCode Genetics in 2002 and led the company's Clinical Sequencing Project, has pledged to continue driving medical science forward by harnessing the power of genetics.
