John Carreyrou

John Carreyrou is an American journalist and author best known for his investigative reporting for The Wall Street Journal (WSJ). Carreyrou gained significant recognition for his role in uncovering the Theranos scandal, which led to the collapse of the biotechnology company once valued at billions of dollars. His work on Theranos not only showcased his investigative skills but also highlighted the importance of journalism in holding corporations accountable.

Early Life and Education

John Carreyrou was born in New York City to French journalist Gérard Carreyrou. He grew up in both the United States and France, providing him with a bicultural upbringing. Carreyrou attended Duke University, where he studied journalism and political science, graduating in the early 1990s.

Career

Carreyrou began his journalism career in Europe, working for a few publications before joining The Wall Street Journal in 1999. At the WSJ, he initially covered technology and health care from the Paris bureau. His reporting spanned various topics, including the challenges and controversies within the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.

Investigation into Theranos

Carreyrou's most notable work began in 2015 when he started investigating Theranos, a Silicon Valley-based biotech startup founded by Elizabeth Holmes. Theranos had claimed to revolutionize blood testing by using very small volumes of blood, but Carreyrou's reporting revealed that the company's technology was flawed and its claims were largely unproven.

Despite facing significant legal and personal threats from Theranos and its supporters, Carreyrou published a series of articles that exposed the company's misleading practices. His investigative work led to regulatory scrutiny that ultimately resulted in the company dissolving and its executives, including Holmes, facing legal action.

Awards and Recognition

Carreyrou's reporting on Theranos earned him numerous journalism awards, including the George Polk Award for Financial Reporting and the Gerald Loeb Award for Distinguished Business and Financial Journalism. His work was also recognized with the Pulitzer Prize for Investigative Reporting, showcasing the impact of his investigative journalism.

Books

Following the Theranos investigation, Carreyrou authored Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup, which provides a detailed account of the rise and fall of Theranos. The book received critical acclaim and has been recognized as a significant contribution to investigative journalism literature.

Personal Life

John Carreyrou lives in the United States. He continues to write and speak on topics related to investigative journalism and the importance of media integrity.

Legacy

John Carreyrou's work, particularly his investigation into Theranos, is considered a landmark in investigative journalism. It serves as a reminder of the critical role journalists play in uncovering truth and ensuring transparency in both business and technology.