Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst Welcomes Sally Ann Forsyth as CEO
Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst - the UK's first open innovation biomedical catalyst where fast-growing biotech, pharma and medtech businesses can draw upon world-leading resources, announces their new CEO.
Dr Sally Ann Forsyth will take over in March.
Dr Forsyth has driven the development of several leading UK science parks. Since 2013, she has been CEO of Norwich Research Park, a life science cluster of world leading academics, researchers and clinicians which is now home to over 80 companies. She has also been director for Harwell Oxford and director of Colworth Science Park, another leading open innovation location.
She takes over from Martino Picardo, who was the first Chief Executive Officer from inception of SBC, who moved on in 2017 after five years at the helm.
Ian Tomlinson, Chairman of SBC, said, "With her extensive experience across a range of science parks, a focus on collaborative culture and a track record in attracting finance, Sally Ann is ideally placed to drive SBC through its next phase of development. We are delighted to welcome her to the team, and look forward to working with her. The Board would also like to express its appreciation to Interim CEO Miranda Knaggs for her stewardship since June."
Dr Forsyth, said: "In its six years since inception SBC has developed into a leading UK bioincubator and hub of life sciences innovation. Having established a unique blend of high-growth companies, academic interactions and cornerstone tenants such as LifeArc and the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult Manufacturing Centre, it is ready for the next phase of growth. I am very pleased to have been appointed CEO to lead this development."
Comment
We at VWV have an excellent relationship with this exciting Hertfordshire-based initiative. SBC collaborate with PING, the Pharmaceutical Industry Network Group, which we run; and we provide a legal surgery to support tenants at SBC. Martino, with Miranda's support, did a tremendous job in building SBC from scratch into a huge success. We now look forward to working with SBC under Dr Forsyth in supporting the next stage of its development.
If you have any thoughts about these developments at this open innovation campus, please contact Paul Gershlick in our Pharmaceuticals and Life Sciences team on 01923 919 320.