Samarth Kulkarni is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CRISPR Therapeutics, a Swiss‑American biotechnology company pioneering gene‑editing medicines using the CRISPR/Cas9 platform. He has served as CEO since December 2017, having joined the company in 2015 as Chief Business Officer and later serving as President, where he helped establish strategic collaborations, support financing, and guide early clinical strategy. Under his leadership, CRISPR Therapeutics has advanced multiple gene‑edited programs into clinical development, marking critical progress toward translating gene editing into real‑world therapies.
Before joining CRISPR Therapeutics, Kulkarni was a Partner at McKinsey & Company in the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology practice, where he developed expertise in strategy and operations for life sciences organisations. He holds a Ph.D. in Bioengineering and Nanotechnology from the University of Washington and a B.Tech. from the Indian Institute of Technology, blending deep scientific training with business leadership. Beyond his role at CRISPR, he serves on the boards of biotechnology companies including Black Diamond Therapeutics, Repare Therapeutics, and Centessa Pharmaceuticals, reflecting broad engagement in advancing precision medicine and gene‑based therapies.
The 100 CEOs featured here reflect the diversity and complexity of modern oncology leadership. In 2025, some lead the world’s largest cancer institutions; others guide specialized societies or emerging innovators. What unites them is responsibility: for millions of patients, for the integrity of science, and for the future direction of cancer care globally.
This list is not a celebration of power, but a recognition of stewardship, accountability, and impact – and of the leaders whose choices continue to shape the fight against cancer. For the many deserving individuals not mentioned in this list, we will continue to acknowledge, honor and elevate your voices in our daily publications from across the world.
See the full list of The 100 Most Influential CEOs in Oncology in 2025, and stay tuned for other special category nominations.
