BIO appoints interim CEO

The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) – the world’s largest science and public advocacy organization with 1,000 members – has appointed Rachel King as interim President and CEO.

BIO announced on Monday that Dr. Michelle McMurry-Heath would step down from her position as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately, and will instead serve as Advisor to the Executive Committee, providing advice and assistance on key BIO initiatives.

King, co-founder and former CEO of GlycoMimetics, Inc., has agreed to serve as interim President and CEO while the organization searches for a full-time successor.

A long-standing member of the BIO leadership, King brings deep expertise across the industry and previously served as Chair of the BIO Board. King has experience at small and large companies having served as co-founder and former CEO of GlycoMimetics, Inc. and as a senior vice president of Novartis Corporation. Prior to that role she spent more than a decade at Genetic Therapy Inc., including as the company’s CEO. She also served at ALZA Corporation and at Bain & Company. She is an expert in the innovation ecosystem as a former Entrepreneur in Residence at New Enterprise Associates, one of the US' leading venture capital firms.