Ahmed Enany

Chief Executive, Southern California Biomedical Council

Ahmed Enany runs the nonprofit Southern California Biomedical Council, a member-supported trade association that serves the biotech, medtech, in vitro diagnostic device, and digital health communities in the six counties that comprise the greater L.A. region. SoCalBio’s programs help local firms gain access to capital, potential partners, and other business services. The council also promotes technology transfer and workforce training, while informing policy-makers and the public about the benefits of the region’s bioscience industry. Enany came to the United States from his native Egypt to attend UCLA.

Enjoy most: Helping our member biotech and medical device companies create impactful, life-saving products.

Toughest challenge: Beating cancer twice while continuing to work.

Proudest moment: Graduating top of my class in Cairo University, the birth of my son, creating SoCalBio, and simply staying alive which makes every moment a proud one.

Most excited: We are living in an era of unprecedented explosion of innovations, from biotechnology and the internet to nanotechnology and artificial intelligence.

Best advice: Don’t get trapped in paralysis by analysis and take action to open up new opportunities.

Beverage: I have to have my latte in the morning.

Car you drive: I hate driving and sold my car three years ago.

Alma Mater: BA, Cairo University.

Fun fact: I love standup comedy, particularly the work of Kevin Hart, Chris Rock, and Katt Williams.

Hobby/passion: When I have spare time, I like to cook, bake bread, and watch movies or reruns of “Seinfeld,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and “Bored to Death.”

Favorite destination: Shanghai, China.