“We are grateful for Dr. Stefánsson’s contributions and remain focused on advancing Iceland as a premier location for elucidating genetic insights that direct impactful therapeutics. We will continue to build upon the team’s important scientific mission and impressive accomplishments,” says Jay Bradner, EVP of R&D at Amgen.

deCODE genetics is a wholly owned subsidiary of Amgen.

Unnur Þorsteinsdóttir, Ph.D., and Patrick Sulem, M.D., have been appointed co-managing directors during the transition.

Unnur Þorsteinsdóttir

Unnur Þorsteinsdóttir joined deCODE in 2000 and previously served as the Executive Director of Genetic Research. She is regarded as one of the world’s foremost geneticists and serves on the board of the Icelandic Centre for Research (Rannís) and the Science and Technology Policy Council.

“Since arriving to deCODE from the University of of British Columbia 25 years ago, I have been honored to be a part of research that put Iceland on the map in human genetics,” says Unnur Þorsteinsdóttir. “I feel the weight of that responsibility every day –to uphold our scientific excellence and to support the incredible Icelandic scientists coming up behind us. There’s still so much to discover, and I’m as inspired now as I was on day one.” 

Patrick Sulem

Patrick Sulem joined deCODE in 2002 and previously served as the Head of Clinical Sequencing. He specializes in epidemiology and public health and has contributed to several genetic discoveries across various diseases throughout his time at the company.  

“As we look to the future, I am committed to advancing our mission to harness genetics in ways that not only extend scientific understanding but also deliver tangible benefits for patients,” says Patrick Sulem. “I look forward to working alongside Unnur and our dedicated team to build on deCODE’s legacy of discovery and continue transforming medicine through the power of human genetics.”