Genentech Brings Diversity Commitment To The C-Suite

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 of elevation than analogous positions at most other drug makers...