John C. Martin, Ph.D., chairman and chief executive officer of Gilead Sciences, Inc. will step down, effective March 10, 2016, and will assume the role of executive chairman of the company. John F. Milligan, Ph.D., currently president and chief operating officer, will be promoted to chief executive officer and will serve on the board of directors.
 
Dr. Martin joined the company in 1990 and was appointed chief executive officer in 1996. Dr. Milligan also joined Gilead in 1990 and was appointed chief operating officer in 2007 and president in 2008.
 
“John Martin has led Gilead as CEO for the past 20 years, and under his stewardship, the company has developed and delivered therapeutic advancements to millions of people around the world. His legacy is clear – and the vision he has set will continue with his contributions as Executive Chairman,” said John Cogan, Ph.D., Gilead’s lead independent director.
 
“Over the past 25 years, John Milligan has distinguished himself as an exceptional leader, serving in diverse management roles and overseeing multiple phases of growth and expansion into new therapeutic areas and geographies. The Board of Directors and I are confident in his ability to lead Gilead into the future,” said Dr. Martin.