Decode Genetics' CEO, Kári Stefánsson, relinquishes his position.
Rewritten Article:
Say goodbye to Kári Stefánsson as the big cheese at DeCode Genetics! That's right, folks, after nearly three decades at the helm, he's stepped down from his CEO role at the Icelandic scientific juggernaut he co-founded. It's the end of an era for one of Iceland's most prominent scientific minds.
So, who's taking the reins now? Stepping up to the plate are Dr. Unnur Þorsteinsdóttir and Dr. Patrick Sulem—both seasoned researchers at Icelandic Genetics. These two powerhouses will work together to steer the company's operations in Iceland.
A Decade's Legacy
Kári Stefánsson, at 76, formed Icelandic Genetics way back in 1996. Under his great guidance, the company became a global trailblazer in human genetics. In 2012, the U.S.-based pharma giant Amgen snatched up DeCode Genetics, folding its groundbreaking research into their broader medical applications.
Now, let's meet our new leaders.
Experienced New faces
Dr. Unnur Þorsteinsdóttir has been a part of the Icelandic Genetics family since 2000, and her most recent role was as the company's Director of Genetic Research. On top of that, she serves as a professor at the University of Iceland’s Faculty of Medicine and helmed the School of Health Sciences as Dean from 2022 to 2024. "It's been a privilege to help put Iceland on the map in human genetics," Þorsteinsdóttir beamed. "We still have a long way to go in understanding the marvels of genetics, and I'm as inspired today as I was on my first day."
Dr. Patrick Sulem, a physician with a background in epidemiology and public health, joined the company in 2002. He's been the main man on the Clinical Sequencing Project and made a significant impact in research on genetic factors linked to various diseases. "I'm a firm believer in the might of genetics to push medical science forward," Sulem declared. "Our focus will stay on translating scientific knowledge into real-world benefits for patients."
Acknowledging a Scientific Pioneer
Jay Bradner, Amgen's Executive Vice President of Research and Development, saluted Kári Stefánsson for his foundational impact:
"Dr. Stefánsson has played a crucial part in establishing Icelandic Genetics as a global powerhouse in the field. We're indebted to him for his contributions and remain dedicated to supporting Iceland's position as a hub for world-class genetic research."
- The newly appointed CEOs at DeCode Genetics are Dr. Unnur Þorsteinsdóttir and Dr. Patrick Sulem, both who possess extensive experience in genetic research at Icelandic Genetics.
- Dr. Unnur Þorsteinsdóttir, a former Director of Genetic Research at DeCode Genetics, also serves as a professor at the University of Iceland’s Faculty of Medicine, having previously served as Dean from 2022 to 2024.
- Dr. Patrick Sulem, who joined DeCode Genetics as a physician with a background in epidemiology and public health in 2002, has been a driving force in the Clinical Sequencing Project, making significant contributions to research on genetic factors linked to diverse medical conditions.
- Kári Stefánsson, the founder and now former CEO of DeCode Genetics, will be remembered for transforming the company into a global leader in human genetics throughout his nearly 30-year tenure.
- Jay Bradner, Amgen’s Executive Vice President of Research and Development, paid tribute to Kári Stefánsson for his significant influence on establishing DeCode Genetics as a prominent player in the field, vowing the company's continued support for Iceland as a center of excellent genetic research.
