In a significant development for the biotechnology sector, BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. has announced the pivotal board appointment of esteemed industry veteran Ian T. Clark to its Board of Directors, effective August 1, 2025. This strategic addition is set to bolster BioMarin’s corporate leadership and bring invaluable experience to the company’s governance as it navigates the complex landscape of the pharmaceutical industry.
Mr. Clark brings an unparalleled three decades of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, most notably serving as Chief Executive Officer of Genentech and a member of its Board of Directors from 2010 until his retirement in 2016. His tenure at Genentech was marked by significant growth and innovation, establishing him as a prominent figure in executive changes within the sector.
Under Mr. Clark’s dynamic leadership, Genentech achieved remarkable milestones, including the successful launch of 15 new drugs, a testament to his strategic vision and deep understanding of drug development. His track record of fostering innovation aligns seamlessly with BioMarin’s commitment to advancing new medicines for patients with unmet needs.
Before his impactful role as CEO, Mr. Clark held several senior management positions within Genentech, accumulating a wealth of operational expertise. Prior to joining Genentech, his career spanned 23 years across other major pharmaceutical industry players such as Novartis International AG, Sanofi S.A., Ivax Pharmaceuticals, and G.D. Searle, solidifying his diverse background.
Beyond his executive roles, Mr. Clark’s extensive board experience further underscores his deep roots in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical realms. He currently serves on the boards of Olema Oncology, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd., Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc., Corvus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Guardant Health, Inc., offering a broad perspective on current industry trends. His past affiliations include boards for Forty Seven Inc., Shire Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Avrobio, Inc., and Kite Pharma, Inc.
Alexander Hardy, President and CEO of BioMarin, expressed enthusiasm for the new board appointment, stating, “Ian is a well-respected leader, who has been involved in the development and launch of numerous new therapies for patients with unmet needs. His experience over three decades as a biopharmaceutical industry executive and board director will bring valuable perspective, making him an ideal addition to our Board.”
Mr. Clark himself conveyed his delight, remarking, “I am delighted to join BioMarin’s Board, as the company continues to advance important new medicines for people with genetically defined conditions. I look forward to working with BioMarin to reach more patients around the world.” This mutual enthusiasm signals a promising future for BioMarin news and its strategic direction.
BioMarin, a global biotechnology company founded in 1997 and based in San Rafael, California, is dedicated to translating genetic discovery into profound impacts on patient lives. With a proven track record of innovation, boasting eight commercial therapies and a robust pipeline, BioMarin employs a distinctive approach to drug discovery. The company focuses on developing treatments that offer new possibilities for patients and families globally navigating rare or difficult-to-treat genetic conditions, reinforcing its leadership in specialized areas of the pharmaceutical industry.
