Meet Our Employees

Elizabeth Wagner has big plans for the future, thanks to her MBA Internship. "One of the most interesting aspects of working in Pipeline and Portfolio Planning is the opportunity to know the entire portfolio of Genentech products, including those on the market and those in development. You really feel you know the company and what it is striving to accomplish."

The experience has provided Elizabeth with long-term goals for her career. "If I could have any job at Genentech, it would be VP of Portfolio Management and Operations. I see it as a role that is central to Genentech's future because you collaborate with other senior leaders to make smart decisions about which products to invest in and move through development. Plus, it spans several departments — Research and Early Development, Product Development and Commercial — so you get a broad understanding of how the industry operates. What could be better?"

Even though Julie's focus is on engineering, she is continually reminded that her work has a positive effect on people's lives. "We have a huge impact on so many patients, and I am especially proud of our programs that help provide drugs to patients in need. There's a sense of purpose that goes beyond the bottom line."

On a day-to-day basis, Julie supports the current commercial manufacturing and tech transfer of Genentech products, efforts that directly impact the operations and throughput of the Oceanside facility. A problem solver by nature, Julie's areas of interest are project management and operational excellence, and she loves being involved with improvement projects.

But it's not only about work. "My favorite event is Genentech Goes to Town because it benefits the communities that Genentech serves, which is something I really admire about this company. Plus, I cherish the friendships and relationships that I've developed over the years. We really do have a great workforce. The teamwork makes it possible to get incredible things done."

As a scientist at Genentech, one of Georgia's most enjoyable experiences is attending the Research Review Committee meetings. "They're fascinating because I get to listen to the highlights of interesting research projects and think of ways to help move them forward."

She also loves the opportunity to collaborate with other scientists and researchers, such as long-time colleague Shiva Malek. "Shiva works in biochemical pharmacology and is always wonderful to brainstorm with — it's extremely motivating to be surrounded by such supportive colleagues." Georgia works to instill a collaborative and interactive atmosphere for her own group, and she even established a FUN committee that is in charge of making CSTO a vibrant place to work. "The committee organizes team-building activities and events. I'm proud that I've been able to contribute in a concrete way to the department."

Georgia actually came to Genentech from the East Coast, a move she never regrets. "The relocation process was seamless, and I've truly been able to achieve work-life balance here. I'm a mom, so the generous vacation policy makes it easier to enjoy time with my kids."

In the lab, Jagath Reddy Junutula is hard at work helping to discover and develop novel cancer therapies and continuing to learn about the process of drug development specifically to help cancer patients. But he also takes time to enjoy all of the other experiences Genentech has to offer. "I've even managed and executed a Diversity Ho-Ho by the South Asian Network @ Genentech." Involvement with the Diversity networks is one of the main things Jagath recommends to new employees. "If you are new to the area, the company or both, this is one of the best ways to expand your network and meet people."

Jagath has also taken advantage of one of Genentech's many commuter benefits. "I live in the East Bay, and when Genentech introduced GenenBus, it helped me save two hours each day. Riding the bus gives me the flexibility to spend the time working, reading or relaxing instead of driving."

The sales and marketing effort at Genentech may be far more rigorous than it is at most companies, but as far as Kavita is concerned, it's worth it. The people are a large part of it — they're continually willing to help and share their knowledge — but the recognition Kavita receives for her efforts also goes a long way. As Kavita notes, "The Commercial Marketing Excellence Awards and the Commercial Administrative Excellence Awards, during which the senior leadership team recognizes our outstanding achievements, are unique to Genentech. It's such an enjoyable event, and you even get to dress up in formal attire."

Kavita makes the most out of the friendly and helpful nature of her colleagues, scheduling lunch dates, informational meetings or even time to just grab coffee and get together to talk. "Doing this really helped make me feel at home here and become immersed in the Genentech culture. Beyond this, Kavita leverages the Genentech Concierge Service to help manage her life. "It's really a top-notch service that takes care of busy work such as planning personal events, whether they're in San Francisco or across the globe. I've even used the service to make dinner reservations and purchase tickets to shows. And, just like everything at Genentech, the service is exceptional."

Ron Park knows firsthand that timing is everything. While working in management consulting, Ron developed expertise in pricing strategy. "A friend of mine who worked at Genentech knew about this expertise, and he also knew that the head of his department was looking to set up a Pricing Strategy group. He urged me to apply, and the rest is history."

Fast forward several years, and Ron now considers many of the fascinating people that he's met during his time with Genentech among his closest friends. "We tend to work cross-functionally, so I have friends throughout the company, from Managed Care and Sales to Legal and Portfolio Planning. It's interesting to be exposed to various departments and projects."

For those who are new to Genentech, Ron advises them to spend the first month or two really learning about Genentech's culture and the way people approach issues. "Also, ask lots of questions and get to know people. I think this is often the best way to ensure a successful future at Genentech."

The other aspect of her job that Sarah loves is the dual role that it affords her. "I get to be a leader to my team and then represent them to our cross-functional partners by serving as an ambassador for PDGO." While she can't imagine doing anything else right now, Sarah does think it would be interesting to participate in one of Genentech's rotational programs and learn more about core functions, such as manufacturing, commercial and research, and then bring that knowledge back to her functional area.

Her connection to Genentech has a personal side as well. "Two years ago a family friend was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and it was devastating. Thanks to the tremendous resources available at Genentech, I was able to provide information on Rituxan® (Rituximab) as a possible treatment. This helped his family better understand the illness and know what to be asking the doctors."

A board member of the South Asian Network at Genentech (SANG) for three years, she highly recommends joining a diversity club at Genentech. "I've attended events hosted by many of the groups, including SAGES, GWP and NextGen. They're a great way to meet colleagues throughout the company and build relationships."

John Davis also gets to see firsthand the impact that patients have on Genentech's work. "It really gives me a sense of accomplishment to design a clinical trial and then see the results that are achieved from everyone's involvement, including the patients that volunteer to be part of the trials. Sometimes, at the end of the day, I can't believe everything that I get to do at Genentech and the chance I have to make a difference."

He also leverages his employment at Genentech for the good of the greater community. "I've been the Genentech team captain for the San Francisco AIDS Walk for three years, and it's a great opportunity to raise awareness of people living with AIDS and to generate funds for the local agencies that work so hard for HIV prevention and support."

More recently John has become involved with Genentech's efforts to reduce disparities in clinical trials, an area that is of tremendous importance due to his clinical research and care for patients with lupus at the University of California, San Francisco. "Already the program has increased awareness of the issues at the heart of the disparities and identified barriers for patient participation in clinical research — this translates directly to policy recommendations to help reduce disparities." The experience even led to a chance for John to moderate a session at the Seventh Annual National Leadership Summit on Health Disparities. "We even led the effort through Genentech's Diversity and Inclusion department."

After nearly a decade with Genentech, Lis Warren has held a variety of roles and loved them all. She credits Genentech's perspectives on Diversity and Inclusion as part of the reason the company has a long history of success. "Research demonstrates that diverse teams make better decisions and that companies with greater diversity also have higher levels of employee satisfaction. The mission at Genentech is incredible, and it all hinges on the exceptional decision-making that takes place throughout the drug development lifecycle."

She's also grateful for Genentech's domestic partner health benefits. "It's a huge relief to know that I'm able to provide for and protect the people I love. On a lighter note, I love the MyConcierge service."

For those embarking on a Genentech career, Lis encourages them to "sink their teeth in and get involved. Don't ever be afraid to ask questions or voice your opinions. If you are hired, it's because someone saw something unique in you that will help make our business stronger."

When Lorinda Bankhead came to Genentech, she was fresh out of the army and new to California. "I didn't know anyone at Genentech or in California. But it didn't take long before my colleagues made me feel like I was home. Each one touched my life in a unique way, helping me feel welcome as I made the transition. They are truly an extended family." Today, Lorinda enjoys interacting with all of the people she encounters, from her own staff to the various support groups that ensure successful operations. "I get to connect with a diverse group of professionals; it's very rewarding."

Lorinda also makes the most of Genentech's benefits and extras. She recently returned to school to pursue a Master of Arts in Leadership thanks to Genentech's reimbursement program. And, she attends company events regularly. "I'd only been at Genentech for a few months when we celebrated the company's 30th anniversary. It was an afternoon of food and entertainment, but more importantly, it showed me just how much Genentech's leadership values and rewards its employees."

In his role with the Architecture Group, Munther makes the most of the opportunities to work with Genentech's wide range of business units and partners. "I take the time to learn about their long-term plans and strategies, as well as the current pain points and challenges. That way, my team and I can leverage IT to formulate the best possible solutions for the company."

Among his career highlights is his role in helping to complete a major redesign of Genentech's business systems and infrastructure, including integrations with major new facilities and with Roche. On a social level, Munther looks forward to the concerts in the parking lot and the Genentech Informatics Full Spectrum symposium. "These are two events that are like no other I have ever attended."

To those who join Genentech he has simple, yet helpful, words of advice. "Assume nothing and leave all judgment at the door. And hold on to your beginner's mind — always be curious and ready to both work and play hard."