The Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI) announces former Eli Lilly and Company chairman, president and CEO John C. Lechleiter, Ph.D., has joined its board of directors. Dr. Lechleiter retired from Lilly in 2016 and served as chairman of the board of directors from January 2009 to May 2017. He joined Lilly in 1979 as a senior organic chemist, working his way from the lab to global leadership.
Indianapolis – The Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI) announces former Eli Lilly and Company chairman, president and CEO John C. Lechleiter, Ph.D., has joined its board of directors. Dr. Lechleiter retired from Lilly in 2016 and served as chairman of the board of directors from January 2009 to May 2017. He joined Lilly in 1979 as a senior organic chemist, working his way from the lab to global leadership.
In a 2012 speech at the BioCrossroads Indiana Life Sciences Summit, Dr. Lechleiter issued a call to action to bring together Indiana’s life sciences industry partners to ensure that the state maintains its leadership and competitiveness in the life sciences. The result was the establishment of the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute.
“John’s collaborative and complementary vision was vital in the establishment of the IBRI,” said Rainer Fischer, Ph.D., chief executive officer, IBRI. “His scientific and business acumen as well as his vision for innovative technologies and new product development will be invaluable as the institute continues to grow.”
Lechleiter earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Xavier University and master’s and doctoral degrees in organic chemistry from Harvard University. He has received honorary doctorates from Marian University, the University of Indianapolis, the National University of Ireland, Indiana University, Franklin College, Butler University and Purdue University.
Lechleiter is a member of the American Chemical Society. He serves as vice chair of the board of the Science History Institute and is an emeritus member of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership board. Lechleiter also serves on the boards of Ford Motor Company, Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Nike, Inc., and United Way Worldwide.
About the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute
The Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI) is an independent, nonprofit discovery science and applied research institute focused on innovation targeting cardio-metabolic diseases, diabetes and poor nutrition. Inspired by the state and Indiana’s leading life sciences companies, research universities and philanthropic community, the IBRI is building a world-class organization of researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs that will catalyze scientific discovery and its application, resulting in improved health outcomes for patients and consumers. Initial funding was provided by the State of Indiana, Lilly Endowment, Eli Lilly and Company, Corteva Agrisciences, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont, Roche Diagnostics, Indiana University Health and the Indiana University School of Medicine. IBRI is looking to expand partnerships with life sciences companies and philanthropic organizations to increase the potential for research, discovery and collaboration. For more information about IBRI, please visitwww.indianabiosciences.org.
