The founder of Umbrella Corporation, Ozwell E. Spencer, is a man of noble birth, and together with James Marcus and Edward Ashford, he discovered the Progenitor virus. To continue researching the virus as a potential biological weapon, the three created Umbrella Corporation as a front for their activities.

Spencer mercilessly removed rival after rival, continuing to expand his own influence. With the completion of research on the T-virus, he seized full control of Umbrella. He never reveals himself or his true intentions even to officers of the company, leaving Spencer a figure shrouded in mystery.