The Hong Kong Genome Institute (“HKGI”) is a company limited by guarantee and wholly owned by the Hong Kong SAR Government. Established in 2020, HKGI is responsible for advancing the clinical application and long-term development of genomic medicine in Hong Kong and supporting the integration of genomics into the healthcare system.
Since its full operations in 2021, HKGI has established a comprehensive genomic medicine infrastructure, including genomic laboratory, bioinformatics, genomic data analysis and genetic counselling capabilities, while expanding participation across multiple public hospitals. Through the Hong Kong Genome Project (“HKGP”), more than 65,000 participants have been recruited, creating one of the most significant emerging genomic resources for the Southern Chinese population and providing a strong, core foundation for clinical diagnosis, scientific research and innovation.
As HKGI enters its next phase of development, building upon the foundations of HKGP, the Institute is dedicated to translating genomic data into meaningful clinical, research, and societal impact. By expanding its resources to maintain one of the most comprehensive Southern Chinese genomic datasets, HKGI is accelerating the integration of precision medicine into mainstream healthcare delivery.
To reinforce Hong Kong's position as a leading international health and medical innovation hub, HKGI is actively collaborating with public research institutions on impactful projects that foster innovation and create clear pathways for market applications. At the same time, the Institute is establishing strategic local and global partnerships to enhance its visibility, elevate its standing within the international genomics ecosystem, and drive the commercialisation of research findings. Complementing these efforts, HKGI is committed to developing and driving targeted education initiatives designed to build essential genomic literacy among both healthcare professionals and the public. We are now inviting suitable candidates for the following vacancy:
Chief Executive Officer
The Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) leads the strategic evolution of the HKGI from executing HKGP, building its initial sequencing capacity and the Hong Kong genome database to driving the full development of the ecosystem for genomic medicine through academic and industrial partnerships. The CEO is responsible for overall executive governance, financial budgeting, and team leadership, with a strong focus on driving corporate sponsorship / donations and commercialisation initiatives, developing new revenue streams, and forging strategic partnerships with big pharma, academic institutions, and global clinical networks.
Working alongside executive leadership, the CEO will direct the establishment of robust data security, ethical, and bio-policy frameworks to safeguard HKGI's genome database—a unique, predominantly Southern Chinese population dataset—and leverage the Synergistic Research Environment (“SRE”) to safely support public-private research and commercialisation, seamlessly integrate genomic medicine into the local healthcare ecosystem, and support Hong Kong’s development as an international health and medical innovation hub.
Key Responsibilities
- Formulate long term strategy to position HKGI as a key node for advancing genomic medicine research and precision medicine through:
- Managing pivotal transition from building initial sequencing capacity and the Hong Kong genome database to clinical translation, integrating genomic sequencing and multi-omics datasets to improve diagnostic yields and enable personalised treatment
- Drive commercialisation initiatives and commercial public-private partnerships, through forging strategic global partnerships with big pharma, academic institutions and clinical research networks to accelerate clinical trials and multi-omics drug discovery
- Drive governance and operations, directing overall operational execution, financial budgeting and regulatory compliance alongside executive teams and advisory boards
- Collaborate with relevant government bodies, hospitals, academic groups and industry leaders to drive genomic medicine for integration into the local healthcare system
- Advance data security, ethics and bio-policy, navigating with the support of the Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, develop ethical advisory frameworks to ensure data privacy and patient security while safely facilitating public-private research
- Engage with stakeholders, managing internal and external relations, and deepening collaboration and partnerships with industry leaders internationally and locally to strengthen HKGI’s role as a preferred partner for clinical research and trials in genomic medicine
- Build and develop a cohesive team with strong executional alignment, delivering organisational impact and global recognition for HKGI, in genomic healthcare
Key Requirements
- Holder of a Master’s degree awarded by a university in Hong Kong or equivalent, preferably in medicine, science, information technology, finance, economics or related discipline, or other related professional qualifications
- Possess a minimum of 20 years of relevant post-qualification experience, of which at least 10 years should be at a very senior management level in the healthcare or related services industry
- Clear track record of success in strategic development and delivery of building and implementing a program similar in scope and scale of HKGI
- A collaborative healthcare leader, with an exemplary track record of building, developing and motivating cross functional teams in delivering pivotal change and commercial independence
- Possess solid and proven experience in strategic planning, project management, public relations, industry liaison, and partnership development
- Strategic commercial acumen, demonstrated through structuring public-private partnerships, negotiating complex data sharing or IP agreements to drive institutionalised fund raising or partnerships
- Recognised leadership skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with various partners and stakeholders internally, ensuing partnerships are maximized to benefit patients and the Hong Kong community
- Stakeholder diplomacy and ability to interface, present and negotiate with the Hong Kong SAR Government, elite academic institutions, international medical bodies and patient advocacy groups. Aligning and sharing messages externally which are understandable and relate at the right level to the audience
- Good understanding of the healthcare sector and research environment in Hong Kong would be an advantage
Application
The closing date for applications is 8 October 2026. HKGI is represented by DHR Global. Interested applicants may send a letter of application indicating the position applied for, together with a full CV, current and expected salaries, and date of availability to DHR Global –
By email: hkgi-ceo@dhrglobal.com to submit your application, or
By clicking the APPLY button on this job posting site.
Applicants not invited for interview within 8 weeks from the closing date may consider their applications unsuccessful.
Personal data provided by job applicants will only be used for job application processing. All personal data of unsuccessful candidates will be destroyed within 6 months upon completion of the relevant recruitment exercises.
HKGI is an Equal Opportunities Employer.