Arthur D. Levinson

Arthur D. Levinson is an American business executive and molecular biologist renowned for his transformative leadership in biotechnology and technology. He served as the long-time CEO of pioneering biopharmaceutical company Genentech and later as the chairman of Apple Inc.. Levinson is also the founding CEO of Calico, a research and development company focused on aging and age-related diseases, and holds prominent positions on the boards of several major corporations.

Early life and education

Levinson was born in Seattle and developed an early interest in science. He completed his undergraduate studies, earning a Bachelor of Science in molecular biology from the University of Washington. He then pursued his doctoral degree, receiving a PhD in biochemistry from Princeton University in 1977. His postdoctoral research was conducted in the laboratories of renowned scientists at the University of California, San Francisco and the Nobel Prize-winning Harold Varmus at the University of California, Berkeley.

Career at Genentech

Levinson joined Genentech as a senior scientist in 1980, shortly after the company's pioneering work on recombinant DNA technology and human insulin. He rose rapidly through the research and development ranks, becoming director of cell genetics and later vice president of research. In 1995, he was appointed as the company's CEO, a role in which he served for 14 years. Under his leadership, Genentech launched several blockbuster therapies, including the antibody drugs Avastin and Herceptin, solidifying its status as a world leader in oncology and biopharmaceuticals. His tenure culminated in the company's acquisition by Roche in 2009.

Leadership at Apple and Calico

Levinson joined the board of directors of Apple Inc. in 2000, during the resurgence led by Steve Jobs. He served as co-lead director and became chairman of the board in 2011, following the tenure of Steve Jobs and providing guidance during the leadership of Tim Cook. In 2013, he was named the founding CEO of Calico, a life sciences company focused on aging research, which was founded by Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin and is part of Alphabet Inc.. He concurrently served as chairman of Apple Inc. until 2020.

Other board memberships and roles

Beyond his primary roles, Levinson has served on the boards of several influential organizations. He is a former board member of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) and has served on the board of directors of Nektar Therapeutics. He is also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and has held a position on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard.

Awards and recognition

Levinson has received significant recognition for his contributions to science and industry. He was awarded the Biotechnology Heritage Award in 2004. He is an elected member of both the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering, a rare dual honor. In 2012, he received the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory’s Double Helix Medal for his contributions to biomedical research.

Personal life

Levinson maintains a relatively private personal life. He is an avid supporter of scientific research and education. His philanthropic interests align with his professional expertise, focusing on advancements in biomedical research and life sciences. He resides in the San Francisco Bay Area.