Robert Chess

Robert Chess is a Lecturer in Management at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He is a serial entrepreneur with extensive experience in the life sciences and biotechnology sectors, serving as Chairman of multiple companies including Nektar Therapeutics and BigHat Biosciences. His career spans leadership roles in startups, public companies, and corporate governance, alongside White House policy experience under the George H.W. Bush administration.

Education:

• MBA, Harvard University, 1980
• BS in Engineering (honors), California Institute of Technology, 1978

Research & Interests: Chess focuses on entrepreneurship in biotechnology, strategic leadership in healthcare innovation, and the intersection of technology and business strategy. His work explores longevity-driven economic trends and corporate governance practices.

Publications: His recent articles highlight themes such as the longevity economy, career transitions, and aging population dynamics, reflecting a blend of business strategy and societal impact.

Leadership Roles:

• Chairman of 5 companies, Board Member of 11
• Co-founder of Penederm and OPX Biotechnologies
• Former CEO of Nektar Therapeutics

Labs/Teams: Engaged with startups leveraging AI/ML in antibody discovery (BigHat) and SaaS-based healthcare analytics (Issio Solutions).