54gene CEO steps down — two months after firm laid-off workers

Abasi Ene-Obong, co-founder and chief executive officer of 54gene, has stepped down.

The development comes two months after the company laid off 95 employees — 30 percent of its workforce.

54gene is a genomics research, services and development company.

In a statement on Tuesday, the company’s general counsel said it has appointed Teresa Bost as the interim CEO and will be supported by Delali Attipoe, chief operating officer.

According to the company, Ene-Obong will retain his position on 54gene’s board while moving to a new role of senior advisor.

“Abasi has decided to step down as the CEO but will continue to support the company in its go-forward plans such as strategic partnerships and fundraising. We cannot comment on what other new interests he will pursue if any, but we wish him well and still consider him a key team member,” 54gene said.

On his part, Ene-Obong said he believes the startup is in the best hands as Bost and Attipoe “have deep insight into the workings of 54gene.”

He also said he would continue to give his maximum support to the company.

“I have always believed that the scale of genetic diversity in Africa and other highly diverse populations will materially impact our understanding of biology and lead to better medicines and interventions for the global population, and I am proud of what has been achieved at 54gene,” he said.

“I would like to thank the 54gene board for their support over the years, and the many talented scientists and technology professionals I have had the pleasure to work with during my time at the company. 

“I will continue to support the company and the scientific ecosystem, particularly the African genomics ecosystem. Teresia and Delali bring decades of experience in building and scaling high-impact global pharma companies, and they also have deep insight into the workings of 54gene. I am excited to see them take the company to its next phase.”