Healthcare >> CEO Interviews >> May 7, 2001
JAMES M. GOWER is President and CEO of Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Mr.
Gower was formerly President and CEO of Tularik, Inc., a biotechnology
company developing small-molecule drugs regulating gene expression, and
served as Senior Vice President at Genentech. At Tularik, Mr. Gower was
involved in the development of the company from its inception until 1996
when it had approximately 100 employees, five corporate partnerships,
and a positive cash flow from operations. During his 10 years at
Genentech, Mr. Gower had a lead responsibility for business development
and sales and marketing functions. He established and managed
Genentech's foreign operations in Canada and Japan and served as
President of Genentech Development Corporation. As part of his
responsibilities, he was involved in raising over $400 million from
corporate partners and investors in Genentech Developments Limited R&D
partnerships. During his tenure, three pharmaceutical products were
launched, achieving sales of over $500 million by his departure in 1990.
He previously held various positions with American Hospital Supply
Corporation. In addition to his role at Rigel, Mr. Gower is currently a
Board member of two other biotechnology companies: Telik Technologies
(Vice Chairman) and Cell Genesys, Inc. He holds an MBA and a BS in
Operations Research from the University of Tennessee. Profile
Pharmaceuticals, Incorporated and then a picture of the company as it is
now?
Mr. Gower: Rigel was formed about three-and-a-half
