DNA pioneer Craig Venter’s startup Synthetic Genomics Inc. on Monday announced the appointment of a new CEO from a major pharmaceutical company.
Oliver Fetzer, previously president and CEO of Boston-based Cerulean Pharma Inc., will succeed Venter as CEO and join the privately held La Jolla-based company’s board. Venter will remain executive chairman and co-chief scientist.
“I am excited to welcome Oliver as the new CEO of SGI,” said Venter. “His decades of proven biotechnology product development experience coupled with his scientific intellect and measured leadership style will help drive SGI’s continued upward trajectory.
“I look forward to working with Oliver and the executive team to continue to meet our goals of turning SGI’s science and technology into commercially viable and societal changing products.”
The company is developing synthetic DNA products, including algae-based food, agricultural products, vaccines, clean-water technologies and biofuels
“I am thrilled to become the CEO of Synthetic Genomics, a company that unites leading science with a strong platform to address some of the world’s pressing needs, and a proven track record of applying these capabilities in high-profile partnerships,” said -Fetzer. “I look forward to working with Craig and an exceptional team to fulfill SGI’s vision and to advance the company into commercialization.”
