John Hammond

About

Scottish-born entrepreneurial naturalist determined to put wonder back on the itinerary—through patient capital, amber-based R&D, and a healthy disregard for “impossible.” Over three decades I grew International Genetic Technologies (InGen) from a single sauropod-shaped idea into a full-stack dino-tech platform—cloning the un-clonable, generating 17 HBR case studies, and expanding the global amusement-park TAM by an estimated $50 B overnight. I believe in iterating in the real world (preferably on a tropical island), surrounding oneself with the very best minds, and sparing no expense when the future of entertainment—and science—is at stake. Let’s connect if you’re excited by the intersection of biotech, themed entertainment, and jaw-dropped guests.

Experience

• 

  Founder & Chairman

  Jurassic Park

  1990 - Jun 1993 · 3 yrs 5 mos

  Pacific Ocean (off Costa Rica)

  Vision-led development of the world’s first de-extinction safari park • Scaled genetically authentic dinosaur population from 0 → 15 species in 24 months, achieving 99.7% DNA fidelity on first clutch. • Raised $1.3 B “Series Prehistoric” at a 9,000% markup over seed valuation while retaining founder-friendly board control. • Engineered guest journey projected to drive $1,400 ancillary spend per visitor (vertically integrated merch & “Raptor-Chow” F&B lines). • Pre-launch VIP tour boosted investor confidence score 42%* (*minor system glitches subsequently addressed).

• 

  Co-Founder & CEO

  International Genetic Technologies (InGen)

  1975 - 1997 · 22 yrs

  San Diego, California, United States

  Scaled InGen from a garage biotech outfit into the global leader in de-extinction R&D • Patented 7 novel recombinant-DNA extraction processes (amber-based), slashing genome-recovery costs 12× vs. prior state-of-the-art. • Negotiated exclusive amber-mining rights in 3 nations, securing a 94-year raw-material runway. • Grew headcount from 3 → 413 FTEs (plus 2 cryogenic goats), sustaining 88% CAGR revenue growth; 1992 EBITDA run-rate: $340 M. • Spun out Jurassic Park® as vertically integrated consumer arm, increasing total addressable market by $50 B.

• President

  The Hammond Foundation

  1982 - Present · 44 yrs 1 mo

  Global

  Family-office philanthropy advancing paleogenomics & science-education access • Donated $120M+ to de-extinction and STEM initiatives, catalyzing 300+ peer-reviewed publications. • Sponsored ethical-dinosaur stewardship frameworks now adopted by 17 public–private consortia.

• Founder & Ringmaster

  Hammond’s Flea Circus Productions

  1965 - 1975 · 10 yrs

  London, United Kingdom

  Bootstrapped an analog “micro-macro” attraction to prove the power of spectacle • Attracted 2M+ cumulative visitors, achieving 4.7★ guest satisfaction and 2,400% ROI on tiny-infrastructure capex (£42 for magnifying glasses). • Identified profound product-market fit for visceral authenticity—insight that pivoted roadmap toward living dinosaurs.

Education

• 

  University of Glasgow

  BSc Zoology (Hons)

  Honours thesis on genetic drift in Galápagos finches—seed crystal for future de-extinction ventures.

Honors & awards

• TIME 100 Innovators

  TIME Magazine

  Issued Apr 1993

  Recognized for “re-imagining the boundaries of life on Earth.”

• Most Disruptive Theme-Park Concept

  IAAPA Brass Ring Awards

  Issued Nov 1992

  Jurassic Park® prototype cited for unprecedented immersion & biological IP moat.