Genentech confirms Magargee as permanent CEO

Roche’s Genentech unit has looked internally for its new chief executive, appointing Ashley Magargee to the role following the departure of Alexander Hardy last month.

Magargee has been serving as interim CEO since Hardy left to take up the top job at BioMarin Pharma, in addition to her role as head of US commercial portfolio, and is coming up to a two-decade anniversary at the Roche/Genentech group.

She also took control of the company during Hardy’s recent sabbatical, a longstanding policy at the biotech unit that allows all employees to take a six-week break every six years, and will formally take up the role on a permanent basis from 1st January.

She will report to Teresa Graham, CEO of Roche Pharma, and become a member of the group’s pharma leadership team.

“Ashley is a Roche and Genentech veteran, with a 20-year career that spans the breadth of our business,” said Graham, pointing to Magargee’s senior management positions in lifecycle management, digital customer experience, and market access, as well as a near three-year stint as general manager at Roche’s Singapore business.

“I personally value her deep commitment to our people and strong regard for the stakeholders with which we partner across the healthcare system,” added Graham.

The news comes shortly after the company agreed a strategic-level partnership with NVIDIA aimed at accelerating the use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) for the discovery and development of new biological medicines, its main area of focus.

Her appointment also comes as the company is embarking on a new product rollout phase, with medicines like blood cancer drugs Columvi (glofitamab) and Lunsumio (mosunetuzumab), and late-stage projects like breast cancer therapy inavolisib, crovalimab for paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH), and multiple sclerosis therapy fenebrutinib.

When taking the interim CEO role, Magargee said she was “deeply honoured” by the opportunity, noting that “change presents us with the chance to reaffirm our dedication to delivering life-altering therapies, advancing healthcare, and enhancing patient well-being.”

She added: “While I recognise the significant responsibility ahead, I am genuinely inspired by our remarkable workforce's unwavering resolve and dedication, who tirelessly drive our mission forward. I eagerly anticipate embarking on this journey!”