Darren Ji, MD, PhD, MBA

Darren is Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Elpiscience. Prior to co-founding Elpiscience, Darren served as Venture Partner of Lilly Asia Ventures (LAV). Before joining LAV, Darren served as the Global Head and Vice President for Asia and Emerging Markets of Roche Partnering, Roche’s deal-making body that manages the company’s business development. While at Roche, 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 also 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. An accomplished 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. 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 one of the longest tenures as a board member of the BayHelix Group. Darren received his medical training at China Medical University, a Ph.D. from the University of Sheffield in the UK, and an MBA from the University of Chicago.