Jim Faulkner, Nicole Mather and Carolyn Porter join the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult as Non-Executive Directors

London, United Kingdom, 29 April 2024 - The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult), an independent innovation and technology organisation specialising in the advancement of the cell and gene therapy industry, has appointed three new Non-Executive Directors to its board: Jim Faulkner; Nicole Mather; and Carolyn Porter.

Dr Jim Faulkner is an experienced, innovative biopharmaceutical development leader with specialist skills in cell and gene therapy. He has had significant involvement in over 25 therapeutics that have successfully been taken into the clinic, including multiple gene therapy and CAR-T assets. Jim currently operates an independent consultancy advising clients on diverse aspects of advanced therapy development, and has previously held positions at Apple Tree Partners, Ascidian Therapeutics, Autolus Ltd and GlaxoSmithKline.

Dr Nicole Mather has over 20 years’ experience in the health and life sciences industries and has worked across the commercial, public, and third sectors with a focus on cross-sector collaboration. Nicole currently leads IBM’s Health Data & AI and Life Sciences teams in the UK and Ireland, deploying technical expertise to deliver digital transformation across the sector. Nicole is a Non-Executive Director of the Wellcome Sanger Genome Research Ltd and sits on the Health Data Ministerial Industry Group. Nicole has also held roles as the founding Director of the Office for Life Sciences, and with NHS DigiTrials and the Health Research Authority.

Dr Carolyn Porter has over 25 years’ experience in roles across academia, technology transfer, university spin-outs and the biopharmaceutical industry. Carolyn is currently CEO of Outrun Therapeutics, a spin out from the University of Dundee that is focused on developing new therapies for cancer patients with solid tumours. She is also an Entrepreneur in Residence at Bristol University. Carolyn has previously worked for organisations including Novartis, Chiron, Oxford University and Ernst & Young, and she has also held Board roles at seven biotech companies.

Ian McCubbin, Chairman of the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult said: “On behalf of the CGT Catapult I would like to welcome Jim, Nicole and Carolyn. They are joining the organisation at a vital time for the industry as it works to overcome challenges to the wider adoption of, and access to, advanced therapies in the UK. Jim, Nicole and Carolyn will bring innovative ideas and great expertise to complement the experience of the current board, including across therapy development, digitalisation and leadership. I would also like to thank and recognise the commitment of the current board in supporting the vision of the CGT Catapult to create a thriving advanced therapies industry in the UK, and I look forward to continuing our work.”

Dr Jim Faulkner, says: “The CGT Catapult represents a unique enterprise that can help position the UK as a leader in the nascent cell and gene therapy industry. The management team have done a great job to date in establishing a fantastic capability and I am looking forward to being part of the next stage of the journey.”

Dr Nicole Mather, says: "I look forward to serving on the board of the CGT Catapult. This growing industry will change the lives of so many people and I am looking forward to bringing my experience of working across the UK ecosystem and with data and AI to accelerate our mission."

Dr Carolyn Porter, says: “Cell and gene therapies are one of the most exciting therapeutic modalities offering transformative treatment options for patients. I am delighted to be joining the CGT Catapult Board and am looking forward to working with an organisation at the forefront of securing the UK's competitive position globally in this field.”