A tribute to George Rathmann, Amgen’s founding CEO (1927-2012)

George Rathmann, Amgen

Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) today announced that George Rathmann, founding CEO of Amgen from 1980 to 1988 and board chairman until 1990, has passed away.

George Rathmann, Amgen

Recruited by Bill Bowes, one of Amgen’s founders, Rathmann possessed the kind of passion and charisma that helped build the company and attract world-class scientific talent. Regarded as one of the founding fathers of biotechnology, George had the vision to see how biotechnology could transform the practice of medicine with the mix of business and science to bring that vision to life. One of Rathmann’s chief accomplishments was finding the funds Amgen needed during its start-up years. Nicknamed the “Golden Throat” by friends who admired his persuasiveness, he secured venture capital, built revenue streams through partnerships, and guided Amgen through its first public offerings.

“George Rathmann was a biotechnology giant and we were privileged to have him as our first CEO. George’s vision and values are as alive today at Amgen as they were when he led the Company,” said Kevin Sharer, Chairman and CEO of Amgen. “Bob Bradway, our next CEO, and I both share George’s commitment to patients and conviction that being science-based is the best foundation for innovation in biotechnology.”

Through the years, Amgen has continued to recognize the significant impact Rathmann made on the Company. In 2004, a full-size sculpture of Rathmann was dedicated on Amgen’s campus in recognition of his leadership. In 2005, Amgen created the annual George B. Rathmann Award, the company’s highest honor, to recognize staff members who exemplify Amgen’s standards of excellence to advance Amgen’s mission to serve patients.

Rathmann was recognized as BIO’s CEO of the year in 1987 and 1988. Upon leaving Amgen, Rathmann became CEO and chairman of Seattle-based biotech ICOS Corporation (later acquired by Eli Lilly). He later served as CEO and chairman of genomics company Hyseq, Inc.