# Michael L. Riordan

> Michael L. Riordan founded Gilead Sciences in 1987 and served as its chief executive until 1996 and chairman from 1993 to 1997. His founding decade combined scientific recruitment, institutional partnerships, fundraising and a personal approach to employee onboarding. His public Luce Scholars biography identifies him as chairman of Beaufort Twelve Holdings, with a focus on emerging technology investments.

- **Role:** Chairman at Beaufort Twelve Holdings
- **Organizations:** Gilead Sciences, Beaufort Twelve Holdings, Menlo Ventures, Council on Foreign Relations, International Institute for Strategic Studies, International Crisis Group
- **From:** Wichita, United States
- **Education:** AB in Biology, summa cum laude; BS in Chemical Engineering, cum laude, Washington University in St. Louis, MD, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, MBA, Harvard University, Master of International Public Policy (MIPP), Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies
- **Known for:** Founded Gilead Sciences in 1987., Led the January 1992 IPO, which raised $86.25 million., Gilead’s April 1997 board resolution credited him with $400 million raised through the IPO and subsequent equity offerings.

## Career timeline

- **1979** — Graduated from Washington University with degrees in biology and chemical engineering.
- **1979-1980** — Luce Scholar in the Philippines.
- **Before 1987** — Worked at Menlo Ventures.
- **1987** — Founded Gilead Sciences; became its founding chief executive.
- **1988** — Invited Warren Buffett to join the board or invest; Buffett declined.
- **1990** — Recruited John Martin to Gilead.
- **1992** — Led Gilead through its January initial public offering.
- **1993** — Became chairman of Gilead.
- **1996** — John Martin succeeded him as chief executive.
- **1997** — Donald Rumsfeld succeeded him as chairman on January 3; board recognition followed on April 15.

## Achievements

- Founded Gilead Sciences in 1987.
- Led the January 1992 IPO, which raised $86.25 million.
- Gilead’s April 1997 board resolution credited him with $400 million raised through the IPO and subsequent equity offerings.
- Received a Langsdorf Scholarship and represented students on Washington University’s Board of Trustees.
- Selected as a 1979-80 Luce Scholar.

## Links

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelriordangileadfounderceo

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/michael-riordan
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-23