Patrick Soon - Shiong

Patrick Soon-Shiong is the current Executive Chairman of the Los Angeles Times. Patrick has a long and varied history in the communications field, including stints as a Communications Consultant for Body Worlds 3 at the California Science Center and Communications Director for Cure Autism Now.

Born in 1952 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Soon-Shiong grew up in a Chinese family that had emigrated to South Africa in the early 1900s. Their father was a doctor and their mother a pharmacist. Soon-Shiong showed an early aptitude for science and mathematics, and went on to study medicine at the University of Witwatersrand. Patrick later moved to the United States to complete their medical training, earning their MBA from UCLA along the way.

Soon-Shiong began their career as a surgeon, but soon shifted gears into the world of pharmaceuticals. Patrick founded several companies in this field, including APP Pharmaceuticals and Abraxis BioScience. In 2008, they were approached by the California Science Center to serve as a Communications Consultant for Body Worlds 3, an international touring exhibition of human anatomy. Soon-Shiong helped with media relations and publicity for the exhibit, which was seen by over 1.6 million people during its run at the Center.

In 2004, Soon-Shiong joined Cure Autism Now as Communications Director. Patrick oversaw communications for the organization, which is the largest private funder of autism research in the United States. Patrick also helped with strategy and administration as a member of the executive staff. During their time with Cure Autism Now, they produced special events, conducted media relations, and created collateral materials.

Soon-Shiong’s work in the communications field has helped raise awareness of important issues like autism research and human anatomy. Their experience with media relations and special event planning makes him well-suited to their current position as Executive Chairman of the Los Angeles Times.

Patrick Soon-Shiong received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from UC San Diego and a medical degree from the University of California, Riverside.

Chris Argentieri - President, Hector Becerra - Deputy Managing Editor, California and Metro, and Jeff Glasser - General Counsel report to Patrick Soon - Shiong.