Early Life and Education
Arthur D. Levinson was born on March 31, 1950, in Seattle, Washington, to a Jewish family. He attended the University of Washington, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in molecular biology in 1972. He furthered his education at Princeton University, receiving a Ph.D. in biochemical sciences in 1977.
Rise to Success
Levinson began his career at Genentech in 1980 as a research scientist. He quickly ascended the ranks, becoming Vice President of Research Technology in 1989, and eventually CEO in 1995. Under his leadership, Genentech brought numerous innovative therapies to market. In 1999, he became Chairman, a position he held until 2014. In 2004, Levinson joined the board of directors of Google, serving until 2009. In 2011, he was named Chairman of the Board for Apple Inc., a role he continues to hold.
Key Business Strategies
Levinson's leadership style is characterized by a focus on innovation, research, and a commitment to fostering a strong corporate culture. At Genentech, he emphasized the importance of rigorous research processes while also encouraging scientific freedom. At Apple, he has provided strategic guidance, particularly following the death of Steve Jobs, contributing to the company's continued success. In 2013, Levinson became the CEO of Calico, a health company focused on aging and age-related diseases, created by Google.
Philanthropy
Levinson is also involved in various philanthropic endeavors. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, a nonprofit dedicated to genomic medicine and biomedical innovation. He also supports scientific research and education.
