Executive Team
Chief Executive Officer
Lewis H. Bender
Lewis H. Bender is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Interleukin Genetics, Inc. a healthcare company that specializes in the development of genetic biomarker tests for sale to the emerging personalized health market. Interleukin Genetics uses its leading genetics research and scientific capabilities to develop and commercialize innovative diagnostic and risk assessment genetic tests. The Company markets a line of personalized genetic tests to improve health and wellness under the Inherent Health® brand for Weight Management, Bone Health, Heart Health, and Nutritional Needs. In additional, the Company distributes its PST® genetic test to dentists for risk of tooth loss via periodontal disease. Mr. Bender was appointed CEO of Interleukin in January of 2008. Prior to joining Interleukin Genetics, Mr. Bender was the Chief Technology Officer and CEO of Emisphere Technologies Inc. During his career, Mr. Bender has been the lead negotiator for several complex business agreements that were executed including out-licensing partnerships, in-licensing agreements, international joint venture agreements, asset acquisitions and stock purchases agreements with major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Mr. Bender has earned both a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Master of Science degree in chemical engineering from MIT. In addition, Mr. Bender also has earned an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and a Masters of Fine Arts in International Relations also from UPENN. He is fluent in French and German.
Eliot M. Lurier
Eliot M. Lurier joined Interleukin Genetics, Inc. as CFO in April 2008. Mr. Lurier has more than 25 years of financial and operational management experience, primarily in the life sciences industry. Prior to joining Interleukin Genetics, he was Vice President, Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer of NUCRYST Pharmaceuticals, where he successfully completed a $45 million IPO within 6 months of joining the company and was responsible for SEC reporting and the implementation of Sarbanes-Oxley requirements. Previously, he served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer for Bridge Pharmaceuticals, Inc., where he established all policies for managing business operations. Prior to joining Bridge Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Mr. Lurier held a number of senior-level financial positions including Chief Financial Officer of Admetric Biochem, Inc., and Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Vice President of Finance of Ascent Pediatrics, Inc., a publicly traded pharmaceutical company. Earlier in his career, Mr. Lurier was a Senior Accountant at Coopers and Lybrand. He earned a B.S. in Accounting from Syracuse University and is a Certified Public Accountant in Massachusetts.
Kenneth S. Kornman, DDS, PhD
Kenneth S. Kornman, DDS, Ph.D, founder of the company and currently holds the positions of President and Chief Scientific Officer. Prior to founding the company in 1986, Dr. Kornman was a Department Chair and Professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He has also been a consultant and scientific researcher for many of the major oral care and pharmaceutical companies. Dr. Kornman currently holds academic appointments at Harvard University. He holds seven patents in the pharmaceutical area, has published two books and more than 100 articles, and has lectured and consulted worldwide on the transfer of technology to clinical practice. Dr. Kornman holds a B.A. in Economics from Duke University. He obtained a D.D.S. from Emory University. Dr. Kornman also holds an M.S. (Periodontics) and a Ph.D. (Microbiology) from the University of Michigan.
Vice President, Marketing
Todd Anthony Walker
Todd Anthony Walker joined Interleukin Genetics, Inc. as Vice President, Marketing in December 2008. Mr. Walker brings to the firm extensive marketing experience, as well as 20 years of industry-related experience. Prior to joining Interleukin Genetics, Mr. Walker was the Worldwide Marketing Director for the Biopatch and OMNEX and synthetic sealants for Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) having worked in the Ethicon Inc., Jansen, Ortho-McNeil and PSGA divisions. Mr. Walker was responsible for developing global marketing strategies, establishing and influencing regional launches for products and building the framework for multigenerational product plans. Prior to joining Johnson & Johnson, Mr. Walker worked as a manager in various capacities with the Procter & Gamble Company. Mr. Walker holds a Masters of Business Administration from Duke University’s FUQUA School of Business, and a Bachelor’s of Science Electrical Engineering Degree from Union College in Schenectady, New York.