Joel S. Marcus, Founder of Pasadena-based Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. Appointed Member of the Board of Directors of Biotechnology Industry Organization

Joel S. Marcus, founder, chairman and chief executive of Pasadena-based Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. has been appointed as a member of the Board of Directors of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) Board of Directors for the 2015-2016 term.

Marcus will also serve on the BIO’s Emerging Companies Section Governing Board.

Ron Cohen, the Chairman of the BIO Board for 2015-2016, said Marcus brings deep experience to BIO and the Emerging Companies Section Governing Board.

On accepting the new position, Marcus said he is honored to join the Board and to continue supporting emerging companies at the forefront of scientific and medical innovations.

“Alexandria is committed to advancing the life science industry by fostering impactful collaborations and championing crucial life science policy issues to improve human health. Through Alexandria Venture Investments, Alexandria’s strategic venture capital arm, we have invested in entrepreneurs and their companies, which are substantially and positively impacting the lives of patients.”

Marcus, who grew up in Denver as the son of a developer, is nationally recognized for his experience and expertise in strategic partnering and was one of the original architects of the Kirin-Amgen joint venture. He started his career as a lawyer and earned extensive expertise, experience and contacts in the life sciences and real estate industries. He is highly experienced in real estate, finance and capital market matters, venture capital, mergers and acquisitions.

Marcus has also been involved with the formation, financing and operations of companies ranging in size from multi-billion dollar conglomerates to start-ups. He founded Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. in 1994. In March 2015, the company reported a total market capitalization of $11.3 billion, and an asset base of 30.7 million square feet.

He is a practicing CPA specializing in the financing and taxation of real estate. Marcus holds a J.D. and an Undergraduate and Graduate degrees from the University of California at Los Angeles.