About Hannes Smárason
Co-Founder & Senior Advisor, WuXi NextCODE
Summary
Hannes Thor Smárason co-founded WuXi NextCODE along with Dr. Jeff Gulcher and served as its CEO until March of 2018. He has been a longtime advisor to deCODE genetics and its venture investors Polaris Venture Partners and ARCH Venture Partners and contributed to the strategy that culminated in the $415 million sale of deCODE genetics to Amgen. Mr. Smárason previously served as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Business and Finance at the company (1997-2004) during which time deCODE genetics achieved worldwide recognition as the global leader in analyzing and understanding the human genome. During his tenure Mr. Smárason led the first IPO by an Icelandic company in the U.S., structured and negotiated alliances with pharmaceutical companies and led the strategic acquisition of a drug discovery company. Prior to joining deCODE genetics he was a consultant at McKinsey & Company serving Fortune 100 clients in the finance, healthcare and hospitality sectors. He also served as the Chairman and CEO of Icelandair and its parent company FL Group in the mid- to late- 2000’s.
Mr. Smárason has served on boards across a variety of sectors related to investment and advisory activity and is active across a range of charitable organizations.
He received his master’s degree in management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he also earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
Previous Positions:
- Co-Founder and CEO, WuXi NextCODE (2015-2018)
- Co-Founder and CEO, NextCODE Health (2013-2015)
- Entrepreneur, Investor, Business Advisor (2008-2013)
- Chairman and CEO, Icelandair (2004-2007)
- Chief Business Officer, deCODE genetics (2002-2004)
- Chief Financial Officer, deCODE genetics (1997-2002)
- Private Investor (1997-2004)
- Consultant, McKinsey and Company (1992-1997)
Education:
- S.B., Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- S.B., Management, MIT
- MBA, Sloan School of Management, MIT
Experience:
- Co-Founder and CEO, NextCODE Health (2013-2015)
- Entrepreneur, Investor, Business Advisor (2008-2013)
- Chairman and CEO, Icelandair (2004-2007)
- Chief Business Officer and Chief Financial Officer, deCODE genetics (1996-2004)
- McKinsey & Company, Engagement Manager (1992-1996)
- Private investor (1996-present)
Skills & Expertise:
- Icelandic, English, Danish, German and Spanish
Volunteer Experience & Causes:
- Clinton Global Initiative, 2006 and 2007
- Sponsor of a number of UNICEF initiatives
- Icelandic Symphony Orchestra sponsor
- BUGL – Children´s psychiatric ward at the National Hospital of Iceland supporter
Interests:
- Active sportsman and outdoor enthusiast aiming to complete top 7 summits of world
- Avid runner, skier, and cross-trainer in various sports
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