Illumina CEO is said to have resigned
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- Chief Executive of gene sequencing company Illumina (NASDAQ:ILMN) Francis deSouza, who narrowly survived an activist campaign led by billionaire investor Carl Icahn, has resigned, Endpoints News reported Sunday, citing the company.
- However, deSouza will serve Illumina (ILMN) in an advisory capacity until the end of July, while his resignation from the CEO position and board membership will take effect immediately.
- The company's board will conduct an executive search to find his replacement, while general counsel Charles Dadswell will function as interim CEO.
- deSouza's departure comes days after Icahn lost his activist campaign against San Diego, California-based Illumina (ILMN) in which he strongly called for CEO's removal, citing the company's decision to acquire cancer test developer Grail.
- Late May, at the company's annual meeting, Illumina (ILMN) shareholders voted to oust Chairman John Thompson and elect one of three Icahn nominees.