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Henri A. Termeer was appointed president of Genzyme Corporation in 1983, two years after the company's founding. He became its chief executive officer in 1985 and chairman in 1988. Under his leadership, Genzyme has grown from a modest entrepreneurial venture to one of the world's leading biotechnology companies.
Genzyme develops, manufactures and markets a range of innovative health care products and services that make a major positive impact on the lives of patients around the world. Genzyme's more than 9,500 employees serve patients in nearly 90 countries, and the company's 2006 revenues were $3.2 billion. Genzyme has delivered consistent financial results, with a compound annual growth rate in excess of 20 percent over the past five years. In 2007, Genzyme was chosen to receive the National Medal of Technology, the highest honor awarded by the President of the United States for technological innovation.
Mr. Termeer is recognized as a pioneer in developing and delivering treatments to patients with rare genetic diseases around the world. This work has provided the foundation for Genzyme's success, and today the company is diversified across medical areas including lysosomal storage disorders, kidney disease, orthopaedics, cancer, transplant and immune diseases, and diagnostic testing.
Widely acknowledged for his contributions to the biotechnology industry and health care field, Mr. Termeer is active in the areas of humanitarian assistance, policy issues, and innovation in providing access to health care. He serves on the board of directors of both the Biotechnology Industry Organization and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. He is a director of Massachusetts General Hospital and is a member of the board of fellows of Harvard Medical School.
Mr. Termeer is deputy chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston's board of directors and a member of the board of directors of Abiomed Inc. He is also chairman emeritus of the New England Healthcare Institute, a nonprofit, applied research health policy organization he was instrumental in founding.
With a great dedication to improving global health, Mr. Termeer is a member of the board of directors of Project HOPE, an international nonprofit health education and humanitarian assistance organization. Through a partnership with Project HOPE, Genzyme provides life-saving treatment at no cost to patients in developing countries. In addition to working with Project HOPE, Mr. Termeer has a strong interest in finding innovative ways to address neglected diseases in the developing world.
Mr. Termeer has been recognized by several highly regarded organizations for his contributions to the health care field. In 2007, he received Ernst & Young's Master Entrepreneur Award for the role he has played in guiding the overall development of the biotech industry. The award is presented periodically to entrepreneurs who have contributed to meeting significant needs in society through the creation of successful companies and the development of new industry sectors. In 2005, Mr. Termeer was elected to Honorary Fellowship at the British Royal College of Physicians, a more than 450-year-old organization dedicated to improving health care through the promotion of high standards in medical practice. In 2003, he received the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Humanitarian Award from the March of Dimes and the Cor Vitae Award from the American Heart Association. Mr. Termeer has also been inducted as a Fellow in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
A native of the Netherlands, Mr. Termeer in 1999 received the Golden Door Award from the International Institute of Boston, which recognizes the positive influence that immigrants have had on America. In 1995, Mr. Termeer was honored by the Anti-Defamation League's New England Region with the Torch of Liberty Award for his leadership in human rights and for promoting understanding among people of diverse religious, ethnic and racial backgrounds.
Mr. Termeer holds a strong regard for promoting education at all levels. In recognition of Genzyme's support for its educational initiatives, the Cambridge School Volunteers in 2006 selected Mr. Termeer as a representative of the organization's future and honored him for his leadership. Cambridge School Volunteers recruits, trains and supports volunteers who tutor and mentor students in Cambridge's public schools. In 2005, Mr. Termeer was recognized by the Action Center for Educational Services and Scholarships, which honors individuals and organizations committed to providing educational opportunities to Boston's youth. The Cardinal Cushing School for Exceptional Children named Mr. Termeer Humanitarian of the Year in 1997.
Mr. Termeer is a trustee for the Boston Museum of Science, and a director of the Biomedical Science Careers Program, which provides minority students with the support and guidance needed for successful careers in biomedical science. At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Mr. Termeer is a member of the Alfred P. Sloan Management Society. He is also a member of the board of MIT Corporation.
Mr. Termeer studied economics at the Economische Hogeschool (Erasmus University, The Netherlands) and earned an M.B.A from the Darden School at the University of Virginia. | 