Decode Genetics' CEO, Kári Stefánsson, resigns from his position
Stepping Down: Kári Stefánsson Bids Farewell to DeCode Genetics
Join us in bidding farewell to Kári Stefánsson, the founder and long-standing CEO of DeCode Genetics, who's handed over the reins after almost three decades. This marks the end of an epoch for one of Iceland's most influential scientific minds.
Stepping up to fill his shoes are veteran researchers Dr. Unnur Þorsteinsdóttir and Dr. Patrick Sulem, both stalwarts at Icelandic Genetics. They'll be jointly steering the company's operations in Iceland as co-managing directors.
A Decade of Pioneering Work
In 1996, Kári Stefánsson established Icelandic Genetics, which under his guidance, became a global frontrunner in human genetics. In 2012, American pharmaceutical giant Amgen acquired DeCode Genetics, leveraging its groundbreaking research for broader medical applications.
Experienced Leadership
Dr. Unnur Þorsteinsdóttir, who joined the company in 2000, was most recently its Director of Genetic Research and is also a professor at the University of Iceland's Faculty of Medicine. She's served as Dean of the School of Health Sciences from 2022 to 2024. "It's been an honor to be part of research that put Iceland on the map in human genetics," said Þorsteinsdóttir. "The wonders of genetics continue to inspire me."
Dr. Patrick Sulem, a physician specialized in epidemiology and public health, joined DeCode in 2002. He spearheaded the company's Clinical Sequencing Project and has contributed significantly to research on genetic factors underlying multiple diseases. "The power of genetics to advance medical science remains undeniable," said Sulem.
Acknowledging a Pioneer
Jay Bradner, Amgen's Executive Vice President of Research and Development, lauded Kári Stefánsson's integral role. "Dr. Stefánsson has played a crucial part in establishing Icelandic Genetics as a global champion in the field. We owe thanks for his contributions and remain committed to supporting Iceland's position as a hub for world-class genetic research."
- Kári Stefánsson, a pioneer in human genetics, founded Icelandic Genetics in 1996, turning it into a global frontrunner.
- In 2012, his pioneering work was recognized when American pharmaceutical giant Amgen acquired DeCode Genetics, using its groundbreaking research for broader medical applications.
- Dr. Unnur Þorsteinsdóttir, a professor at the University of Iceland's Faculty of Medicine and former Dean of the School of Health Sciences, joined DeCode Genetics in 2000 and served as its Director of Genetic Research.
- She, along with Dr. Patrick Sulem, a physician specialized in epidemiology and public health who joined DeCode in 2002, will now jointly steer the company's operations as co-managing directors.
- Technology will continue to play a significant role in the decoding of genetic information for health and wellness, a mission that Dr. Þorsteinsdóttir and Dr. Sulem, with their extensive experience in the pharmaceutical and medical-conditions sectors, are poised to lead.
