CGT Catapult appoints Dr Sharon Brownlow as Chief Business Officer
London UK, 29th July 2020 – The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult) has today announced the appointment of Dr Sharon Brownlow as its Chief Business Officer (CBO) with effect from 1 August 2020. This comes after a formal external and internal recruitment process initiated after former CBO Matthew Durdy was appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer.
Sharon is currently Commercial Director at the CGT Catapult manufacturing centre in Stevenage, having successfully led the commercial operations at the facility for over three years. In this time, Sharon played a pivotal role in securing collaborative research funding with partners and supporting the growth and productivity of the Manufacturing Centre.
As CBO, Sharon will be responsible for strategy and finding, funding and transacting business, ensuring the continued success and impact of CGT Catapult moving forward.
Matthew Durdy, Chief Executive Officer, Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult commented:
“Sharon has been key to the exceptional success of the Manufacturing Centre and our collaborators over the past three years, and has a clear passion for the work we are doing to develop our pioneering industry. This news represents a fantastic appointment for CGT Catapult and will ensure we continue to collaborate and innovate with our partners in industry moving forward.”
In addition to her infectious enthusiasm for the UK cell and gene therapy industry, Sharon brings a unique combination of experience to the role. She has an academic background in biophysics and postdoctoral research, followed by 30 years’ experience in biotechnology including strategic leadership and commercial roles with technology suppliers and contract development and manufacturing organisations.
Sharon Brownlow, Chief Business Officer, Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult:
“I am immensely proud to be appointed to this role and to continue contributing to the hugely important work of this company and its amazing team of people. It is a truly exciting time for CGT Catapult and our collaborators, as we strive to continue making the UK a leader in the development and commercialisation of cell and gene therapies.”
About the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult
The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult was established as an independent centre of excellence to advance the growth of the UK cell and gene therapy industry, by bridging the gap between scientific research and full-scale commercialisation. With more than 230 employees focusing on cell and gene therapy technologies, it works with partners in academia and industry to ensure these life-changing therapies can be developed for use in health services throughout the world. It offers leading-edge capability, technology and innovation to enable companies to take products into clinical trials and provide clinical, process development, manufacturing, regulatory, health economics and market access expertise. Its aim is to make the UK the most compelling and logical choice for UK and international partners to develop and commercialise these advanced therapies. The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult works with Innovate UK. For more information please visit ct.catapult.org.uk or visit http://www.gov.uk/innovate-uk.
FTI Consulting for CGT Catapult:
Michael Trace +44 (0) 203 319 5674 / michael.trace@fticonsulting.com
George Kendrick +44 (0) 203 727 1411/ george.kendrick@fticonsulting.com
