HAYWARD, Calif.– Eikon Therapeutics, Inc., a pioneering biotechnology company that leverages advanced engineering to enhance drug discovery and development, announced today the appointment of Robert (“Robbie”) L. Huffines as an independent director effective December 1, 2023. Mr. Huffines currently serves as Global Chairman of Investment Banking at J.P. Morgan Chase where for more than 30 years he has guided life sciences companies through complex financial landscapes and has led many of the firm’s largest transactions in the biopharmaceutical sector.
“Robbie’s deep experience in investment banking within the life sciences industry, coupled with his strong commitment to bioethics, brings a unique perspective that will help to accelerate Eikon’s growth,” said Roger M. Perlmutter, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and Board Chair of Eikon Therapeutics. “Having worked with Robbie for many years, I have gained a deep appreciation for his clear-headed analyses of strategic issues, and for his candid and articulate advice. I feel privileged to welcome him to the Eikon Board and am confident that his participation will help expedite our development of transformative medicines.”
Mr. Huffines joined J.P. Morgan in 1991 in the Mergers and Acquisitions group, focusing on healthcare. From 2002 – 2010, Mr. Huffines was co-head of the global healthcare investment banking group. In 2011, he was promoted to Vice Chairman, and in 2017 he was added to the Global Banking management team and named Co-Chair of the Global Strategic Advisory Council. Prior to joining J.P. Morgan, Mr. Huffines worked at Alex Brown & Sons, specializing in equity financing and advisory assignments for emerging growth companies.
Mr. Huffines earned his M.B.A. from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia, where he received the Faculty Award for academic excellence. He pursued his baccalaureate education at the University of North Carolina, where he majored in English and Economics. His work includes being a member of the Center for the Business of Healthcare and Board of Visitors at UNC, and serving as a board member of the Spence School, the Darden School at the University of Virginia, and the Hastings Center, a leading independent, nonpartisan bioethics research institute. Mr. Huffines is also a member of the board of Nextech Invest Ltd., a cancer-focused venture capital firm headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland.
“As recently announced, I am retiring in early 2024 from J.P Morgan and am honored to be joining the Eikon Therapeutics Board. The company’s commitment to integrating engineering and science in service of better medicines aligns with my passion for driving innovation in the life sciences,” said Mr. Huffines. “I find Eikon’s breakthrough enabling technology and world class research talent to be a powerful match with enormous potential.”
