BioMarin Taps Former Rival CEO For Key Role

SAN RAFAEL, CA — A San Rafael-based pharmaceutical giant has turned to the former leader of a competitor for a key role.

BioMarin on Wednesday announced the appointment of former Celgene Corporation CEO Mark Alles to the company’ board of directors.

The move goes into effect Jan. 1.

Alles served in multiple executive roles at Celgene since 2016 until it sold to Bristol Myers Squibb Company in November 2019.

"I am honored to serve on the Board of Directors of BioMarin, a company that shares my dedication to continued biomedical innovation that can be translated into breakthrough therapies," Alles said in a statement.

"I am excited to be part of an organization focused on accelerating drug discovery and development, product approvals, and successful commercial launches focused on delivering transformational therapeutic options to address unmet medical needs."

Alles currently serves as chairman of Turning Point Therapeutics, Inc., a public oncology company. He also serves on the boards of Antengene Corporation Limited and Syros Pharmaceuticals, Inc., both public biopharmaceutical companies.

The Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania grad is a former U.S. Marine captain.

"We are thrilled to have Mark join BioMarin's Board of Directors,” BioMarin CEO and Chairman Jean-Jacques Bienaimé said in a statement.

“He is a renowned leader in the biopharmaceutical industry, bringing deep operational, financial, business development and commercial experience to our exceptional board," "I look forward to the many significant contributions Mark will make as we drive the consistent introduction of innovative and transformational products for patients."