Arnold W. Donald, Former Chairman & CEO of Merisant to Head Diabetes Research Organization

"Arnold Donald has a long and successful track record in leading science and consumer-based businesses, and an even longer resume of community involvement, charitable activities, and government advocacy," said Robert D. German, Esq., Chairman of JDRF's board of directors. "He is uniquely qualified to build on the strong record that Peter Van Etten helped forge for JDRF in setting the pace and direction for research around the world leading to a cure for type 1 diabetes and its complications."

Mr. Donald founded Merisant Company -- whose products include the sweeteners Equal and Canderel -- as an enterprise committed to the growing global need for health, nutritional, and lifestyle products based on science and technology. He held the position of Chairman and CEO since its founding in early 2000 through June 2003, and then served as Chairman of the Board thereafter. Previously, Mr. Donald was a senior executive at Monsanto Company in St. Louis. In more than 20 years at Monsanto, his responsibilities included overseeing that company's pharmaceutical and agricultural biotechnology businesses as a key member of the company's Life Sciences Leadership team, including strategic roles in corporate expansion, globalization, and technology initiatives. During his tenure as President of Monsanto Agricultural Company, Mr. Donald took a leading role in the first successful introduction and commercialization of Monsanto products resulting from modern plant biotechnology.

"I am thrilled to be joining an organization with the research reputation, global reach, record of innovation, and importance of mission of JDRF," Mr. Donald said. "And I am deeply committed to continuing and accelerating our efforts to find and bring to market cure therapeutics on behalf of the millions around the world suffering from type 1 diabetes. Thanks to the commitment of JDRF-funded scientists world-wide, volunteers, donors, advocates, and staff, we are closer than ever before to a cure for this devastating disease. I am confident that, working together, we will get there."

A native of New Orleans, Mr. Donald received a BA degree from Carleton College, a BS degree in mechanical engineering from Washington University in St. Louis, and an MBA from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business. Among many honors, Mr. Donald has been named "Executive of the Year" by Black Enterprise magazine, and one of Fortune magazine's "50 Most Powerful Black Executives in America." He also has an extensive history of involvement in local, national, and international organizations, both professional and civic.

Additional Information for Arnold W. Donald

    Professional

    Merisant
    2000 - 2005
    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, 2000
    Monsanto Company
    1977 - 2000

Responsibilities included Senior Vice President for growth, globalization, and technology initiatives; President of $4 billion agricultural sector business Agri-Marketer of the Year in 1996.

    Education

    Carleton College, BA
    Washington University in St. Louis, BS in mechanical engineering
    University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, MBA

    Professional and Civic Organizations

    Appointments

    President's Export Council for International Trade
    Missouri Life Sciences Research Committee
    U.S.-Russia Business Council
    Eurasia Foundation
    British-American Project

    Board of Trustees

    Carleton College
    Dillard University
    Washington University
    United Way of Greater St. Louis
    St. Louis Art Museum
    Missouri Botanical Garden
    St. Louis Science Center
    Opera Theatre of St. Louis
    Barnes-Jewish Hospital
    St. Louis Regional Commerce and Growth Association
    Board of Directors
    Carnival Corporation
    Crown Cork & Seal Company, Inc.
    Laclede Group
    Oil-Dri Corporation of America
    Russell Corporation
    The Scotts Company
    St. Louis Sports Commission

    Personal

    Married, with three children


Source: The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International