The FINANCIAL — Dr. Jean-Paul Clozel, founder of Switzerland’s Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd., a pioneering biotechnology company, was last night named the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year 2008 at an awards ceremony held in Monte Carlo’s Salle des Etoiles.
Clozel was picked from among entrepreneurs representing more than 40 countries who were vying for the title.
Founded in 1997, Actelion is a leader in the development of small-molecule drugs for the treatment of pulmonary disease, and its products have improved the lives of patients worldwide.
Joe Schoendorf, Partner of venture capital firm Accel Partners and Chairman of the judging panel said, “Jean-Paul took huge risks leaving a big, successful company to found a new one in an incredibly difficult sector — biotechnology. And those risks have paid off, for Jean-Paul and his team, for his investors, and, most importantly, for the tens of thousands of patients Actelion’s drugs help.”
“Being named Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year 2008 is a great honor for me and my team”, said Clozel. “To be singled out from such a strong field of entrepreneurs makes us very proud.”
“It’s amazing how quickly Jean-Paul has built Actelion from nothing to a market capitalization of nearly €4 billion in a highly competitive and complex sector,” said Greg Ericksen, Ernst & Young’s Global Vice Chair for Strategic Growth Markets. “His vision and passion have enabled him to become one of the biotechnology industry’s most recognized global success stories.”
“Entrepreneurs achieve great things and make a real difference to their customers, their employees, their communities and the global economy,” said Jim Turley, Global Chairman and CEO of Ernst & Young. “Their vision, leadership, determination and sheer hard work inspire all of my colleagues and me, and that is why we are so proud of the 22-year history of Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year. Through his leadership of Actelion, Jean-Paul has epitomized the entrepreneurial spirit, improved the lives of thousands, and is very worthy of the title Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year 2008.”
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