Scripps Research names Ron Burkle chair of its Board of Directors

LA JOLLA, CA—Scripps Research today announced that Ron Burkle, founder and managing partner of The Yucaipa Companies, has been named chair of its Board of Directors. Burkle, who has served on the board since 2017, succeeds John Diekman, PhD, who served two terms as board chair and was recently awarded the Scripps Research Presidential Medal in recognition of his contributions to the institute.

Ron founded The Yucaipa Companies in 1986 and is widely recognized as one of the preeminent investors in the retail, distribution, automotive, technology, entertainment, sports and hospitality industries. He is also a three-time Stanley Cup Champion as co-owner of the Pittsburgh Penguins. He has served as chairman of numerous companies, including Americold (NYSE:COLD), 101 Studios, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Golden State Foods and Soho House.

Burkle is also founder and chairman of the Ronald W. Burkle Foundation and has a longstanding commitment to philanthropy and nonprofit leadership. He is the co-chair of the Burkle Center for International Relations at UCLA and has served as a trustee of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, The Carter Center and the National Urban League.

“Ron has been a trusted advisor of Scripps Research for nearly a decade, and he brings a wealth of experience in organizational leadership, strategic investment and philanthropy,” says Pete Schultz, president and CEO of Scripps Research. “He shares our commitment to advancing scientific discoveries, turning those discoveries into innovative new medicines that impact the public, and educating the next generation of scientists. I look forward to working with him to build on the institute’s impact in both areas.”

“I’ve had the opportunity to see firsthand how Scripps Research is bringing together fundamental science and translational research to address major challenges in human health,” adds Burkle. “I look forward to working with Pete, the Board and the institute’s scientists to build on that progress and support the next generation of discoveries, medicines and scientists.”