Darren Ji

Chairman and CEO at Elpiscience

Darren is co-founder and CEO of Elpiscience Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., chairman of board of directors. He also serves as Venture Partner of Lilly Asia Ventures (LAV). Prior to that Darren was Global Vice President of Roche Partnering for Asia and Emerging Markets, as well as a leadership team member of Roche Partnering, Roche’s deal-making body that manages the company’s business development across the board including licensing and M&A. In this role Darren was responsible for driving the strategy and execution of partnering activities in the territory of Asia and Emerging Markets encompassing over 100 countries. During his tenure Darren championed and oversaw the closing of many key transactions between Roche and partners worldwide. He managed a global team and established a strong business network in key countries like China, Japan, Korea, Australia/New Zealand, Russia and Brazil.

A repeat entrepreneur himself, Darren spent a long career at the Procter & Gamble Company with increasing responsibilities in drug R&D and business development. He co-founded and managed as CEO of PharmaLegacy Laboratories in Shanghai in 2008, which became a premium CRO providing high-quality drug discovery services to a global clientele until today. Darren has been a highly respected leader in global life sciences and a sought-after speaker in various business forums. He was also an avid community builder exemplified by completing one of the longest services as a board member of the BayHelix Group.

Darren got his medical training at China Medical University, a PhD from University of Sheffield at UK, and a MBA from University of Chicago.