Hannes Smarason

Biography

Mr. Smárason co-founded WuXi NextCODE along with Dr. Jeff Gulcher. 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.

Research Interest

 Genetics and Human Genome