Genentech exec to top up UCSF

Genentech's loss apparently will be UCSF's gain. Dr. Susan Desmond-Hellmann (photo), the company's ex-president of product development, appears to be headed for the chancellorship at University of California-San Francisco, where she's served as assistant professor in hematology-oncology. UC President Mark Yudof recommended Desmond-Hellmann for the top job; her appointment awaits the Board of Regents' stamp of approval.

As you know, Desmond-Hellmann is one of the execs already halfway out of Genentech, now that Roche has wrapped up its $47 billion buyout. When Roche announced a reorg at the top of Genentech a few weeks back, Desmond-Hellmann was tagged as a "science advisor," i.e., she'd made so much money off her stock that she didn't need the aggravation of adapting to Roche's new regime. That change was effective Friday.

"I began my career at UCSF, and my heart has never left it," Desmond-Hellmann said in a statement. "I am delighted and humbled to have the Regents' consideration for the position of chancellor at this truly great institution."

- see UCSF's news release
- read the story in the San Francisco Business Times

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