Pimstone co-founded what today is known as Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc. along with colleague Michael Hayden. (When Pimstone moved to Vancouver from his native South Africa in 1994, he began as a clinical research fellow in Hayden's UBC lab).

Although Pimstone had gained experience in medicine and treatment, it wasn't a big shift for him to jump to the business side of the equation.

"I was always entrepreneurial," he said. "I always felt that was where I might land up."

Pimstone also was aware of the possibilities created by the emerging field of genomics, a genetics-based approach to changing the way disease is treated.

Over the years, Xenon has evolved from a research-oriented company into one focused on drug discovery and development.

Xenon has also attracted significant amounts of money to back its efforts, ranging from a $74-million private equity placement, to pharma partnerships, to government grants.

Recently, Pimstone led Xenon in the signing of a $202-million partnership with pharma giant Novartis Pharma AG to develop obesity drugs.

Pimstone became the CEO at Xenon in 2004, taking over that post from Frank Holler, who remains on the board.

Pimstone, an avid traveller, recently returned from India. Botswana could be next on the list.

Profession you would like to try: Director of the World Health Organization

Where do you feel most comfortable? On the soccer field

Favourite movie: Cinema Paradiso

Currently reading: Barney's Version

Toughest decision: Leaving my country of birth; having to downsize Xenon when we needed to in 2003

Car: Audi A4

Would most like to meet: Nelson Mandela

Birthplace: Cape Town, South Africa

Last CD bought: A CD by Angélique Kidjo

Education: Medical degree, University of Cape Town; PhD in cardiovascular genetics, University of Amsterdam

What's left to do: Xenon needs to become a revenue-generating company