Pakistani-American scientist Dr. Mehmood Khan has recently joined a distinguished list of professionals granted Saudi citizenship. This recognition, published by financial news portal Argaam, celebrates Dr. Khan’s outstanding contributions to medicine, science, and corporate leadership.
Chief Executive Officer of Hevolution Foundation
Dr. Khan currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Hevolution Foundation, a global non-profit organization dedicated to advancing aging-related treatments. With headquarters in Riyadh and a North American hub, the foundation boasts an annual budget of up to $1 billion. It is the second-largest geroscience funder in the world, with plans to establish offices in other international locations. Geroscience, a field of biomedical research, aims to understand how aging processes drive chronic diseases and extend human lifespans.
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Vision 2030 and Saudi Citizenship
Dr. Khan’s Saudi citizenship is part of the kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to attract and retain exceptional global talent to enhance economic and social development. A royal decree issued in November 2021 allows highly skilled professionals in fields such as science, medicine, culture, sports, and technology to apply for citizenship. Dr. Khan, along with other high achievers, was mentioned in the list published by Argaam this week.
Remarkable Professional Journey
Dr. Khan earned his medical degree from the University of Liverpool Medical School in England. His career, spanning over three decades, includes senior corporate and medical positions. He has served as CEO of Life Biosciences Inc., Vice Chairman and Chief Scientific Officer of Global Research and Development at PepsiCo from 2007 to 2019, and President of Global Research and Development at Takeda Pharmaceuticals from 2003 to 2008. He was also Director of the Diabetes, Endocrine, and Nutritional Trials Unit at the prestigious Mayo Clinic and Mayo Medical School from 2001 to 2003.
Honors and Leadership Roles
Dr. Khan is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and a Fellow of the American College of Endocrinology. He has held significant leadership roles, including Chairman of the US-Pakistan Business Council from 2016 to 2019. He continues to serve on the board of Reckitt Benckiser, a renowned British multinational consumer goods company.
Advocate for Risk-Taking and Innovation
In a 2015 interview with OPEN Silicon Valley, an international organization of Pakistani entrepreneurs, Dr. Khan emphasized the importance of taking risks and pursuing one’s passion. “Do take risks. Do not be afraid to take risks and do the best you can but pursue your passion,” he advised aspiring corporate leaders and medical professionals.
Pride in Heritage and Adaptability
Despite spending much of his life abroad, Dr. Khan expressed pride in his Pakistani heritage during the interview. He also highlighted the necessity of adaptability in achieving long-term success. “You cannot be the same that you were 30 years ago. If I was still doing what I learned 30 years ago, I couldn’t even practice medicine, let alone do what I do today,” he said.
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Under Dr. Khan’s leadership, the Hevolution Foundation is at the forefront of pioneering geroscience research. The foundation’s mission to enhance geriatric treatment facilities, reduce drug side effects, and improve access to life-extending treatments aligns with Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering scientific innovation and attracting top global talent.