Marianne De Backer, M.Sc., Ph.D., MBA, is the Chief Executive Officer and Director at Vir Biotechnology Inc., a leading immunology company focused on developing innovative treatments for infectious diseases and other serious conditions. With an impressive educational background, De Backer holds a Master of Science degree, a Ph.D., and an MBA, which have equipped her with a strong foundation in both scientific research and business management. Her diverse skill set and extensive experience in the biopharmaceutical industry have been instrumental in her leadership at Vir Biotechnology. Before joining Vir Biotechnology, De Backer held several high-level positions at renowned companies in the life sciences sector. She served as the Chief Strategy and Corporate Development Officer at Bayer Pharmaceuticals, where she played a crucial role in shaping the company's strategic direction and fostering growth through mergers and acquisitions. Prior to that, she worked at Johnson & Johnson, where she held various leadership roles in research and development, as well as in commercial operations. Her experience in these organizations has provided her with a deep understanding of the complexities of drug development and the importance of strategic partnerships in driving innovation. As CEO and Director at Vir Biotechnology, De Backer is responsible for overseeing the company's overall operations and guiding its long-term vision. Under her leadership, Vir Biotechnology has made significant strides in advancing its pipeline of novel therapies, particularly in the areas of infectious diseases and immunology. De Backer's strategic approach and commitment to scientific excellence have been pivotal in securing collaborations with leading research institutions and pharmaceutical companies. Her leadership has positioned Vir Biotechnology as a frontrunner in the development of groundbreaking treatments that have the potential to transform patient care and improve health outcomes on a global scale.