Kari Stefánsson, M.D., Dr. Med., Tenure Ends; Two Distinguished Genetic Researchers in Iceland Appointed Co-Managing Directors
deCODE genetics today announced leadership changes. The tenure of Kari Stefánsson, M.D., Dr. Med., founder and chief executive officer of deCODE genetics, has come to an end. deCODE genetics has made transformative contributions to science through its foundational work identifying genetic variants associated with common diseases, becoming one of the world’s leading population genetics research institutions.
Unnur Þorsteinsdóttir, Ph.D., and Patrick Sulem, M.D., have been appointed co-managing directors during the transition. Dr. Þorsteinsdóttir joined deCODE in 2000 and previously served as the Executive Director of Genetic Research. She is regarded as one of the world’s foremost geneticists and serves on the board of the Icelandic Centre for Research (Rannís) and the Science and Technology Policy Council. Dr. Sulem joined deCODE in 2002 and previously served as the Head of Clinical Sequencing. He specializes in epidemiology and public health and has contributed to several genetic discoveries across various diseases throughout his time at the company.
“Since arriving to deCODE from the University of of British Columbia 25 years ago, I have been honored to be a part of research that put Iceland on the map in human genetics,” said Unnur Þorsteinsdóttir, Ph.D., co-managing director of deCODE genetics. “I feel the weight of that responsibility every day—to uphold our scientific excellence and to support the incredible Icelandic scientists coming up behind us. There’s still so much to discover, and I’m as inspired now as I was on day one.”
“As we look to the future, I am committed to advancing our mission to harness genetics in ways that not only extend scientific understanding but also deliver tangible benefits for patients,” said Patrick Sulem, M.D., co-managing director of deCODE genetics. “I look forward to working alongside Unnur and our dedicated team to build on deCODE’s legacy of discovery and continue transforming medicine through the power of human genetics.”
“Dr. Stefánsson is a renowned and revered scientist who played a pivotal role in establishing deCODE as a world leader in human genetics. We are grateful for Dr. Stefánsson’s contributions and remain focused on advancing Iceland as a premier location for elucidating genetic insights that direct impactful therapeutics. We will continue to build upon the team’s important scientific mission and impressive accomplishments,” said Jay Bradner, M.D., executive vice president of Research and Development at Amgen. deCODE genetics is a wholly owned subsidiary of Amgen.
Dr. Unnur Stefansdottir and Dr. Patrick Sulem