Babson College Inducts Genzyme's Termeer Into Academy of Distinguished Entrepreneurs

BABSON PARK, Mass., April 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Babson College will induct Henri A. Termeer, Chairman and CEO of Genzyme Corporation, into its Academy of Distinguished Entrepreneurs at its "World Stage" event to benefit the advancement of global entrepreneurship on Wednesday, April 7, 2010.

"Henri Termeer is the quintessential entrepreneur," said Babson President Leonard Schlesinger. "We delight in celebrating his extraordinary leadership and contributions on so many fronts--the biotechnology industry, humanitarian assistance, policy issues, and innovation in providing access to health care. For all these reasons and more, we are pleased and honored to welcome him into our Academy of Distinguished Entrepreneurs."

Henri A. Termeer was appointed president of Genzyme Corporation in 1983, two years after the company's founding. He became its chief executive officer in 1985 and chairman in 1988. Under his leadership, Genzyme has grown from a modest entrepreneurial venture to one of the world's leading biotechnology companies. Genzyme develops, manufactures, and markets a range of innovative health care products and services that have a positive impact on the lives of patients around the world. Genzyme has more than 12,000 employees in locations spanning the globe and 2009 revenues of $4.5 billion. Genzyme has delivered consistent financial results, with a compound annual growth rate in excess of 20 percent during the past five years. Widely acknowledged for his contributions to the biotechnology industry and health care field, Termeer is active in the areas of humanitarian assistance, policy issues, and innovation in providing access to health care, and sits on many prestigious boards throughout the health care industry. He received Ernst & Young's Master Entrepreneur Award in 2007, among many other honors throughout his career.

Termeer is deputy chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston's board of directors and a board member of Abiomed Inc. In 2008, he was appointed to Governor Deval Patrick's Council of Economic Advisors, and he is co-chair of the Leadership Council of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Collaborative. Termeer also is chairman emeritus of the New England Healthcare Institute.

Established in 1978, the Academy of Distinguished Entrepreneurs is the world's first entrepreneurship hall of fame. Babson College created the academy to recognize and celebrate the economic and social contributions of entrepreneurs. The nearly 100 members are pioneers and household icons. Members include: Berry Gordy, Motown Industries; Ray Kroc, McDonald's Corporation; Fred W. Smith, Federal Express Corporation; Arthur M. Blank, The Home Depot; Richard Branson, Virgin Group of Companies; Kay Koplovitz, USA Networks; and Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Magic Johnson Companies.

World Stage is the 31st Academy of Distinguished Entrepreneurs celebration. Co-chairs for the evening to benefit global entrepreneurship include Denise Benson and The Honorable Craig R. Benson, a Babson 1977 alumnus, and 1995 inductee into the ADE as founder of Cabletron Systems, Inc.; and Laura Lamere and David Lamere, CEO, BNY Mellon Wealth Management and 1982 alumnus.

Individuals may register online www.babson.edu/worldstage/.

Interested sponsors should contact Liz Page Associates, event producers, at 617-296-8806 or [email protected].

Babson College in Wellesley, Mass., is recognized internationally as a leader in entrepreneurial management education. Babson grants BS degrees through its innovative undergraduate program, and grants MBA and custom MS and MBA degrees through the F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business at Babson College. Babson Executive Education offers executive development programs to experienced managers worldwide. For information, visit www.babson.edu.

This news release was issued on behalf of Newswise(TM).  For more information, visit http://www.newswise.com.

SOURCE Babson College