John F. Milligan, Ph.D., was the President and CEO of Gilead Sciences Inc., a key player in the biotech industry, until his resignation at the end of 2018. He joined Gilead in 1990 as a research scientist, gradually moving up...

John F. Milligan, Ph.D., was the President and CEO of Gilead Sciences Inc., a key player in the biotech industry, until his resignation at the end of 2018. He joined Gilead in 1990 as a research scientist, gradually moving up the ranks through various roles, including Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. His leadership style focused on strong company performance and navigating the complex world of pharmaceuticals. Under his guidance, Gilead achieved significant milestones, including impressive financial results, reaching 140% of its performance targets in 2018. Milligan's educational background includes a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Illinois, which laid the foundation for his scientific and business expertise. His final year at Gilead saw a total compensation of about $4.93 million, mostly from a sizable bonus tied directly to corporate achievements. This reflects a philosophy of aligning executive pay with company outcomes, ensuring a focus on long-term value. During his tenure, Milligan's stock holdings in Gilead were valued at over $120 million at times, indicating a serious personal investment in the company's success and showing the high stakes involved in his position.