A biotech CEO who was brought in at the height of the BLM movement to move away from the company’s Republican reputation has now quit after clashing with woke board members over its focus on social justice.
Michelle McMurry-Heath was hired by BIO in 2020 to enact ‘bold change’ within the company.
She was heralded as a social justice crusader and was lauded for being the first black person to graduate from Duke University with an M.D.-Ph.d.
Now, after less than two years in the role, she has stepped down after clashing with board members over the focus of the company.
Michelle McMurry-Heath (left) was hired by BIO in 2020 to enact ‘bold change’ within the company. She has now been replaced by interim CEO Rachel King (right) after a clash with board members over their apparent focus on social justice issues instead of healthcare
While neither she nor they have spoken publicly about the dispute, The Wall Street Journal cites industry sources who say McMurry-Heath wanted to focus on the company’s pharmaceutical genesis, while others wanted to focus more on social justice initiatives.
It remains unconfirmed exactly what those initiatives are. She has now been replaced by interim CEO Rachel King.
In an interview at the time of her hiring, McMurry-Heath told health news website Stat News: ‘I was brought in to make bold change. Change is messy.’
BIO already has a BIOEquality arm which is dedicated to making healthcare more equally accessible
BIO already has a BIOEquality arm which is dedicated to making healthcare more equally accessible.
The company also invests in ‘the next generation of scientists’, and holds specific opportunities for women and underserved minorities.
A spokesman for the company would not confirm whether any other types of social justice initiatives are being planned.
In a recent announcement, the new CEO said she was looking forward to tackling ‘important policy issues related to health, agriculture, and the environment.’
‘Our work advances science and technology and touches people of all backgrounds to improve human health and well-being.
‘The strategy of BIO remains on track,’ she said.
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Biotech CEO quits over clashes with woke board members
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