Swersky Sofer was appointed in December 2005 to lead Yissum. During her three years at the helm, Yissum’s revenues rose by 60%, the product pipeline grew by 50% and the number of commercial agreements more than doubled.
JERUSALEM, Israel--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Yissum, the Technology Transfer Company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, announced today that Nava Swersky Sofer, President & CEO will be leaving the company, having completed a three-year term.
Swersky Sofer was appointed in December 2005 to lead Yissum. During her three years at the helm, Yissum’s revenues rose by 60%, the product pipeline grew by 50% and the number of commercial agreements more than doubled. In addition, Swersky Sofer expanded the universe of Yissum’s business partners, especially leading multinational corporations; growing the non-healthcare part of the business &ndash such as nanotechnology, renewable energy and environmental technologies and creating the infrastructure for continued future growth.
Swersky Sofer, a lawyer with an MBA, joined Yissum from the venture capital industry where she held a series of senior roles in Israel and internationally. She was a partner at leading Californian healthcare VC Sanderling, with over $1 billion under management, and a vice president at the head office of pharmaceuticals giant Novartis.
Swersky Sofer said, “over the past three years we have made a significant change at Yissum, turning the company into an international role model. I am leaving behind an excellent professional team which will undoubtedly continue Yissum’s success.” Dr. Giora Yaron, chairman of the board of Yissum added, “Nava led Yissum to impressive achievements both on the management and on the business side.”
Swersky Sofer will continue to assist the company as needed until a new CEO is appointed. In addition, she will continue to serve on the board of directors of several Yissum portfolio companies and as joint chairperson of NanoIsrael 2009, which she initiated. Yehuda Yarmut, executive VP, Licensing & IP, will act as interim CEO until the appointment of a new CEO.
About Yissum
Yissum was founded in 1964 to protect the Hebrew University’s intellectual property and commercialize it. $1 Billion in annual sales are generated by products based on Hebrew University technologies licensed out by Yissum. Ranked among the top technology transfer companies in the world, Yissum has registered 5500 patents covering 1600 inventions; licensed out 480 technologies and spun out 65 companies. Yissum’s business partners span the globe and include companies such as Novartis, Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Intel, Teva and many more. For further information please visit www.yissum.co.il
