George Scangos, Ph.D., served as the CEO of Vir Biotechnology, Inc. from January 2020 until April 2023, when he stepped down after a successful run. Dr. Scangos holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of California, San Francisco, bringing...

George Scangos, Ph.D., served as the CEO of Vir Biotechnology, Inc. from January 2020 until April 2023, when he stepped down after a successful run. Dr. Scangos holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of California, San Francisco, bringing a strong scientific background to his leadership role in biotechnology. Under his guidance, the company intensified its focus on developing treatments and preventative options for infectious diseases, including COVID-19. For instance, they expanded their operations significantly during the pandemic and delivered around 1.5 million doses of their leading drug, sotrovimab, which generated over $1.5 billion in collaboration revenue. Scangos is known for aligning the company’s research objectives with pressing public health needs. His annual compensation varied widely, peaking at nearly $20.7 million in 2021, reflecting both stock and performance-based incentives. Notably, he transitioned the company’s business strategy to focus on SARS-CoV-2, which represented a major pivot in their operations during his tenure. George’s career highlights the importance of blending scientific expertise with strategic leadership in the biotechnology field, making notable contributions to advancing therapies for serious diseases.