Move Over, Mick: Tech Exec To Be a Knight

Biotech Exec joins Elton, Gates, BeeGees

Besides being British, Kevin Young doesn't have that much in common with Sir Elton John, not to mention Roger Daltrey or the BeeGees.  But soon, they'll have something very cool to talk about over tea:  Their meeting with the Queen of England.

Young, an executive at Silicon Valley biotech giant Gilead Sciences, was just appointed a Commander of the British Empire.  He joins luminaries like Roger Moore, Robert Plant and Bill Gates -- who, incidentally, is not "Sir Bill," because he's American.  The British Mick remains "Sir Mick."

The honor, abbreviated as CBE, was created during the First World War by George V in 1917.  It's bestowed on Mr. Young in recognition of services to the health care and pharmaceutical industries.  Given Gilead's leadership position when it comes to fighting AIDS, it's a cool thing to come to the Bay Area.

"It's a wonderful and surprising honor," says Mr. Young, a 28-year veteran of the pharma and biotech industries.  He's been at Gilead since 2004, after stints at Amgen and AstraZeneca.  He doesn't seem to be the kind of guy to walk around with a crown or anything, but you never know - he's got some impressive company - Buckingham Palace has been known to change a guy.

Scott kneels to nobody but still, this is cool.  He’s on Twitter:  @scottbudman

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