12 January 2026

BIA announces Professor Chris Molloy as its new Chief Executive Officer

The Board of the BioIndustry Association (BIA) is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Chris Molloy as its new Chief Executive Officer, starting in May 2026.

Chris currently serves as the founding Chief Executive Officer of the Medicines Discovery Catapult (MDC), bringing together organisations across academia, industry, the NHS and private capital to drive innovation for patients in the UK and beyond.

Chris is a Trustee of the Institute of Cancer Research and Chairs the industry advisory Boards for the Greater Manchester Biomedical Research Centre and Health Innovation Manchester. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chris was responsible for setting up and leading the Lighthouse Laboratories, delivering the UK’s largest diagnostics programme as well as chairing the UK consortium for the manufacture and scale-up of lateral flow testing.

Originally a biomedical scientist by background, Chris brings over 30 years of UK and international experience covering the breadth of the life sciences sector to the BIA CEO role, from biopharma to clinical services and diagnostics, venture-backed companies to talent management and data/informatics. Chris combines a passion for creating impact for patients with a substantial track record navigating complex government and regulatory environments to support the development of infrastructure for growth.

BIA Chair Shaun Grady said:

The BIA finds itself in rude health and is held in high regard by our members and key stakeholders across the sector, thanks to the tireless work of the BIA leadership and colleagues across the organisation.

Chris will bring fresh perspective and energy, reflecting his international experience and reach, as well as extensive leadership of large, cross-functional teams in both the not-for-profit and private sectors in the UK.

The Board would like to take this opportunity to thank Jane Wall and the leadership team, who seamlessly and expertly stepped up to lead the BIA since September 2025. Jane’s ongoing contribution and leadership continues to be highly valued by all our Members.

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Professor Chris Molloy said:

The BIA is recognised at home and internationally as a progressive force for UK bioscience, working to create the best environment for its companies to grow.

As the sector evolves and the world changes, we need to continue to harness the UK’s strengths to develop a broader set of data-driven, clinically active, growth-ready science and services companies across our sector. I’m looking forward to spending time with Members to understand better their present challenges and undoubted opportunities.