Dr. Pierre Meulien Appointed President and CEO of Genome Canada

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - October 20, 2010) - Dr. C. Thomas Caskey, Chairman of the Board of Genome Canada, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Pierre Meulien as President and CEO of Genome Canada (biography attached) effective October 18, 2010.

"Genome Canada's Board of Directors was unanimous in its selection" said Dr. Caskey. "Dr. Meulien brings a wealth of experience in the areas of genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics within the larger realm of biotechnology and life sciences. As President and CEO, Dr. Meulien will build on the reputation of excellence for which Genome Canada is renowned. His strong commitment and passion for advancing the nation's science and technology agenda will serve us well".

The Board made the appointment following an intensive national and international executive search. As Genome Canada celebrates its 10th anniversary, the appointment of Dr. Meulien is most timely as his skills, experience and qualifications are a perfect combination to lead Genome Canada, in the years to come, in its quest to further enhance Canada's competitiveness and quality of life.

"I am honoured to have been appointed to this important role in Canada's scientific and business community. I look forward to contributing to the enhancement of Canada's stellar reputation in genomics based science and innovation with our partners, the Government of Canada and the entire Genome Canada network, to enhance every citizen's quality of life", said Dr. Meulien.

Dr. Meulien, who is stepping down as Chief Scientific Officer of Genome BC to join Genome Canada, is an accomplished facilitator who has managed expert research teams with a number of organizations, including Aventis Pasteur in Toronto (Senior Vice President of R&D), and in Lyon, France (Director of Research). Prior to this, he spent seven years with the French biotechnology company Transgene in Strasbourg as a research scientist and part of the management team. Dr. Meulien's academic credentials include a PhD from the University of Edinburgh and a post-doctoral appointment at the Institut Pasteur in Paris.

Genome Canada wishes to thank Mr. Dale Patterson for serving as interim President and CEO and for ensuring that our transition was as seamless as possible. Mr. Patterson will continue in his role of Vice-President, External Relations at Genome Canada.

Genome Canada is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to developing and implementing a national strategy in genomics and proteomics research for the benefit of all Canadians. Through investments of $915 million to date from the Government of Canada, Genome Canada has become the primary funding and information resource relating to genomics and proteomics in Canada and has established six Genome Centres across the country.