Genentech Brings Diversity Commitment To The C-Suite

Scrip spoke with chief diversity officer Quita Highsmith about the company’s efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in trials.

Clinical Research diagram
Genentech chief diversity officer Quita Highsmith sat down with Scrip to discuss her company's diversity and inclusion efforts • Source: Shutterstock

A lot of companies in recent years have made improving diversity in their clinical development a major priority as everything from recognition that good science depends on a mix of patients reflective of the overall population to inequities exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic have brought it to the forefront. But one firm in particular, Roche Holding AG’s Genentech division, has the distinction of being the first to elevate its diversity executive position to the C-suite.

Quita Highsmith, who became Genentech’s first chief diversity officer effective 1 January 2020, credits the position receiving a higher level...

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