# John C. Martin

> John Charles Martin (1951-2021) was an American chemist and executive who led Gilead Sciences as CEO from 1996 to 2016 and chaired its board from 2008 to 2019. A Purdue, Chicago and Golden Gate graduate, he combined scientific judgment with business training, supported employee education, mentored future executives, and co-founded Bitterroot Bio before his death.

- **Role:** Chemist, chemical engineer, biotechnology executive and co-founder
- **Organizations:** Bitterroot Bio, Gilead Sciences, Syntex, Bristol-Myers, Kronos Bio, Scripps Research, National Academy of Engineering, Purdue University, University of Chicago, Golden Gate University
- **From:** Easton, United States
- **Nationality:** American
- **Education:** BS in chemical engineering, with honors, Purdue University, PhD in organic chemistry; advisor Josef Fried, University of Chicago, MBA, Golden Gate University
- **Known for:** Led Gilead as chief executive for twenty years (1996-2016)., Helped establish an onsite, subsidized MBA program for Gilead employees., Supported the creation of the IOCB-Gilead Research Centre.

## Career timeline

- **1977** — After completing his PhD, joined Syntex in Palo Alto.
- **1984** — Earned his MBA and joined Bristol-Myers in Syracuse, New York.
- **1990** — Joined Gilead Sciences as vice president of research and development.
- **1996** — Became Gilead president and chief executive officer.
- **2008** — Added the chairman role and was elected to the National Academy of Engineering.
- **2016** — Concluded his CEO tenure and became executive chairman.
- **2018** — Joined the boards of Kronos Bio and Scripps Research.
- **2019** — Concluded his Gilead chairmanship; received the NAS Award for Chemistry in Service to Society.
- **Before March 2021** — Co-founded Bitterroot Bio; the exact founding date of his involvement is unspecified in its biography.
- **2021-03-30** — Died aged 69; Bitterroot Bio lists him in memoriam.

## Achievements

- Led Gilead as chief executive for twenty years (1996-2016).
- Helped establish an onsite, subsidized MBA program for Gilead employees.
- Supported the creation of the IOCB-Gilead Research Centre.
- Elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2008.
- Received the Biotechnology Heritage Award in 2017.
- Received an honorary doctorate from KU Leuven in 2017.
- Received the NAS Award for Chemistry in Service to Society in 2019.

## Links

- Website: https://brbio.com/team/john-martin-phd-mba/

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Last updated: 2026-10-11