Arthur D. Levinson
Summary
Arthur D. Levinson (born March 31, 1950) is an American businessman known for his notable roles in the technology and biotechnology industries. He currently serves as the chairman of Apple Inc., a position he has held since 2011. In addition, Levinson is the CEO of Calico, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. that focuses on life extension and biotechnology research. Prior to his current positions, Levinson had a long and successful career at Genentech, where he served as the chief executive officer from 1995 to 2009 and as the chairman from 1999 to 2014.
Levinson's expertise and leadership extend beyond his roles at Apple and Calico. He has been a board member of Apple Inc. since 2000 and has also served on the board of directors of the Broad Institute, an esteemed research institution affiliated with MIT and Harvard. Throughout his career, he has contributed to various organizations and institutions, including F. Hoffmann-La Roche, NGM Biopharmaceuticals, and Amyris Biotechnologies, where he held board positions. Levinson's involvement in the scientific community includes serving on the Board of Scientific Consultants of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the Industrial Advisory Board of the California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), and advisory councils for the Princeton University Department of Molecular Biology and the Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics. His extensive experience and contributions have made him a highly respected figure in both the technology and biotechnology sectors.
Biography
Arthur D. Levinson, born to Malvina and Sol Levinson in 1950, is an American businessman and influential figure in the biotechnology and technology industries. He obtained his bachelor's degree from the University of Washington in 1972 and went on to earn a Ph.D. in biochemistry from Princeton University in 1977.
Levinson began his career as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, San Francisco, where he worked with renowned scientists J. Michael Bishop and Harold Varmus. In 1980, he joined Genentech after being recruited by Herb Boyer. Starting as a research scientist, Levinson steadily climbed the ranks and assumed various leadership positions, including Vice President of Research Technology, Vice President of Research, and Senior Vice President of Research and Development. In 1995, he became Genentech's Chief Executive Officer and later served as Chairman from 1999 to 2014. During his tenure, Levinson received numerous accolades and recognition for his contributions to the biotechnology field.
Levinson's achievements extend beyond Genentech. He served on the board of directors at Google from 2004 to 2009 and was appointed Chairman of Apple Inc. on November 15, 2011, succeeding Steve Jobs. Additionally, he took on the role of CEO at Calico, a health and well-being company funded by Google, in September 2013.
Throughout his career, Levinson has been honoured with prestigious awards, including the James Madison Medal from Princeton University, the Biotechnology Heritage Award from the Biotechnology Industry Organization and the Chemical Heritage Foundation, and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, among others. He has authored or co-authored numerous scientific articles and holds several patents.
As of May 2021, Levinson is a significant shareholder in Apple, owning approximately 4.5 million shares valued at $786 million. His leadership, accomplishments, and contributions have solidified his reputation as a respected and influential figure in the scientific and business communities.
Vision
Arthur D. Levinson's vision is centred around driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of scientific research and technology. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to advancing the fields of biotechnology and healthcare, with a focus on improving human well-being and making a positive impact on society.
Levinson believes in the power of collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches to tackle complex challenges. He has been actively involved in fostering partnerships between academia, research institutions, and industry, aiming to accelerate scientific discoveries and translate them into tangible solutions. His vision encompasses leveraging cutting-edge technologies, data-driven insights, and innovative approaches to drive sustainable advancements in healthcare, genomics, and biotechnology.
As the Chairman of Apple Inc., Levinson has played a crucial role in shaping the company's vision of delivering groundbreaking products and services that enhance people's lives. He recognizes the importance of user-centric design, seamless integration of technology, and the potential of artificial intelligence to transform industries and create meaningful experiences for individuals.
In his role as CEO of Calico, Levinson's vision is to revolutionize the understanding and treatment of aging-related diseases, ultimately extending human lifespans and improving overall quality of life. He envisions Calico as a pioneering force in the healthcare industry, harnessing the potential of data analytics, genomics, and other emerging technologies to unlock new insights into human health and aging.
Recognition and Awards
References
- Arthur D. Levinson profile | Wikipedia
- Apple Inc. | openbusinesscouncil.org
- Alphabet Inc. | openbusinesscouncil.org
- Arthur D. Levinson, Ph.D. Founder & CEO | Calico Labs
- Arthur Levinson profile | Crunchbase
- MIT | openbusinesscouncil.org
- Harvard | openbusinesscouncil.org
- University of Washington | openbusinesscouncil.org
- Princeton University | openbusinesscouncil.org
- Art Levinson profile | Forbes
- Arthur Levinson Biography | Board Institute
- Biography of Arthur Levinson | The Franklin Institute
- Arthur D. Levinson profile | Cold Spring Habor Laboratory
- Apple Names Arthur D. Levinson Chairman of the Board | Apple
- Steve Jobs | openbusinesscouncil.org
- Who Owns Apple? | The Business Model Analyst
- Founder Stories: Art Levinson, CEO of Genentech and Calico | Axial
- Arthur Levinson - 2012 National Medal of Technology & Innovation | NSTNF
- Longevity: Dr. Arthur D. Levison | The Franklin Institute