Arthur Levinson

Dr. Arthur D. Levinson serves as Lead Independent Director of Apple's board, a role he assumed on September 1, 2026. Levinson earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Washington and a doctorate in Biochemical Sciences from Princeton University. Born March 31, 1950 in Seattle, Washington, he brings rare expertise spanning both scientific research and executive leadership.

Levinson has been Apple's non-executive chairman for the past 15 years after joining the board in 2000. In his new capacity, he will ensure balance of power between the Board of Directors, Executive Chairman Tim Cook, and new CEO John Ternus. Levinson serves on Apple's People and Compensation Committee.

Career History

• CEO of Calico (health, aging, and well-being company) since September 2013
• Chairman of Genentech from September 1999 to September 2014
• CEO of Genentech from July 1995 to April 2009
• Research scientist at Genentech beginning in 1980, progressing through vice president and senior vice president roles
• Postdoctoral researcher at University of California, San Francisco after earning his PhD

Levinson's scientific legacy is substantial. He has authored or co-authored more than 80 scientific articles and is listed as an inventor on 11 U.S. patents. During his tenure as Genentech CEO from 1995 to 2009, the company brought breakthrough drugs to market, including Herceptin, a targeted breast cancer therapy. In 2012, he received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation for pioneering contributions to biotechnology and personalized medicine. Additional honors include the 2006 James Madison Medal from Princeton University, the 2008 Fellowship to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, and the 2014 Alumnus Summa Laude Dignatus Award from the University of Washington.

What Arthur Levinson could bring to Lead Independent Director at Apple: Drawing on his success scaling Genentech into a global biotech leader and his long tenure navigating Apple's governance alongside Steve Jobs and Tim Cook, Levinson is positioned to provide strategic oversight of board dynamics, advanced technology strategy, and innovation governance. His experience bridging scientific research with commercial success, combined with his deep institutional knowledge of Apple's culture and values, enables him to guide the board through complex transitions while maintaining alignment between leadership and shareholder interests.