Vir Biotechnology Announces Retirement of CEO George Scangos, Ph.D.; Appoints Marianne De Backer, MSc, Ph.D., MBA, as Successor

Upon his retirement as CEO, Dr. Scangos will serve in an advisory role to Dr. De Backer through June 2, 2023 and will continue providing strategic counsel to Vir as a member of the Board of Directors.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank George for his visionary leadership, his life-long commitment to patients and his dedication to Vir’s mission, its employees, communities and shareholders,” said Vicki Sato, Ph.D., Vir’s Chairman of the Board. “George led the Company through a period of significant transformation, accelerated its growth and established a broad pipeline and strategy that we believe will support our long-term success. The Board looks forward to continuing Vir’s growth trajectory under the leadership of Dr. De Backer, whose scientific expertise, motivational leadership style and dynamic and proven track record of strategic and operational successes make her an exciting choice to lead Vir into the future. The Board is unanimous in its enthusiasm to work with Dr. De Backer to continue the growth and impact of Vir.”

Dr. Scangos has served as Vir’s President and CEO, and as a member of the Board of Directors since January 2017. Under Dr. Scangos’ leadership, and in less than six years, the Company has delivered life-saving therapies for Ebola and COVID-19 to millions of patients around the world, built a robust pipeline that currently spans five therapeutic areas and established a strong balance sheet with approximately $2.7 billion in cash and cash equivalents^*. In 2022, Vir was named the fastest growing company on the 2022 Deloitte Technology Fast 500.