Bassil I. Dahiyat, Ph.D., is a distinguished figure in the biotechnology industry, currently serving as the President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director at Xencor, Inc. Dr. Dahiyat co-founded Xencor in 1997, bringing with him a profound expertise in protein engineering and biotherapeutics. His academic journey began at the University of California, San Diego, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, followed by a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His doctoral research focused on protein design and engineering, laying the groundwork for his future contributions to the field. At Xencor, Dr. Dahiyat has been instrumental in steering the company towards becoming a leader in the development of engineered monoclonal antibodies and other protein therapeutics. Under his leadership, Xencor has successfully advanced multiple drug candidates into clinical trials, targeting a range of diseases from autoimmune disorders to cancer. One of his notable achievements includes the development of Xencor's proprietary XmAb® technology platform, which has been pivotal in creating novel antibody therapeutics with enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects. His strategic vision has also led to numerous collaborations and partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies, further solidifying Xencor's position in the industry. In addition to his role at Xencor, Dr. Dahiyat is actively involved in the broader scientific community. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and holds several patents related to protein engineering and biotherapeutics. His contributions have been recognized through various awards and honors, reflecting his significant impact on the field. As a leader, Dr. Dahiyat continues to drive innovation at Xencor, focusing on expanding the company's pipeline and bringing transformative therapies to patients worldwide.