Illumina CEO Francis deSouza resigns
Georgejason/iStock Editorial via Getty Images
- Chief Executive of Illumina (NASDAQ:ILMN) Francis deSouza has resigned from his position, the gene sequencing company announced on Sunday.
- deSouza, who recently survived an activist campaign led by billionaire investor Carl Icahn will serve Illumina (ILMN) in an advisory capacity until July 31, the company added.
- His resignation from the CEO position and board membership will take effect on July 11.
- 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 despite regulatory pushback.
- At the company's annual meeting in late May, Illumina (ILMN) shareholders voted to oust Chairman John Thompson and elect one of three Icahn nominees.