Our new president, Klaus Gubernator, presided over his first meeting on July 13, 2017. Fittingly, Klaus was Rotarian of the Day and told a bit about himself. His parents were both affected by World War II, and after marrying in Göttingen, settled in Belgium where Klaus was one of the first students at the European School of Mol, which was established for children of scientists employed at nearby research institutes. Klaus noted that this school was truly international, and teachers taught subjects in their native tongue- imagine having to learn Math, History, Music, and Physical Education in German, French, Italian, and Dutch, respectively!
Klaus earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry at Heidelberg University, and in 1997 he and his wife Dagmar moved to the United States. Klaus was instrumental in helping several drug discovery companies grow from having only a single lab and a few employees to either acquisition (CombiChem) or public offerings (Senomyx). In 2005, Klaus founded eMolecules, which he often refers to as the “Amazon of Chemicals”. eMolecules works with researchers around the world to provide chemicals and reagents that are critical for reducing barriers to drug discovery. He has since handed the reins of eMolecules to the capable hands of his son and daughter, and now uses his leadership skills as Executive Director of the St. Leo's Dental Clinic in Solana Beach.
Klaus joined the Rotary Club of Del Mar in 2006 after being introduced to the club by a banker who helped him secure a loan for his current home. He noted that at the President Elect Training Seminar (PETS) he learned why Rotary Presidential terms are limited to one year: “No one can ruin a Rotary club in just one year”, although we all know that this was never a concern for Klaus (or any other Rotary Club of Del Mar president!). We look forward to a productive and progressive year under Klaus’s leadership.