Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult appoints Dr Ed Samuel as Chief Operating Officer
London, UK, [Wednesday 23rd July 2025]: Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult), an independent technology and innovation organisation specialising in the advancement of the cell and gene therapy industry, has appointed Dr Ed Samuel as its Chief Operations Officer (COO).
Ed brings over two decades of leadership experience in the development and delivery of advanced therapies. This spans early research translation through to regulatory approvals and global clinical manufacturing, including designing and building licensed manufacturing facilities, tech transfer, process optimisation, implementing digital and automated manufacturing platforms, and operational scale-up across the UK, EU, and US.
Most recently serving as Executive Vice President of Technical Operations at Achilles Therapeutics, he was instrumental in scaling operations from early-stage manufacturing through to commercial readiness. Under Ed’s leadership, the company expanded its technical teams across multiple sites, raising over $300 million (USD) in financing, including a successful IPO in 2021, as well as advancing several personalised cell therapy programmes.
Prior to Achilles, Ed held senior roles at Orchard Therapeutics, Cognate BioServices, and University College London, where he led cell and gene therapy product development and supported pioneering first-in-human clinical programmes.
As COO of the CGT Catapult, Ed will be responsible for its Manufacturing Innovation team and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facilities. He will also work to optimise its operational and scientific capabilities and support the development of a long-term innovation strategy, ensuring CGT Catapult remains at the forefront of technological and scientific advances.
Matthew Durdy, Chief Executive of the CGT Catapult, said:
Ed brings with him a wealth of experience in solving complex scientific, technical and organisational challenges, and a passion for bringing new therapies to patients. He will be a valuable addition to our leadership, helping us evolve our manufacturing and scientific offering to ensure we continue to provide effective support to the advanced therapies sector.
Dr Ed Samuel, newly appointed Chief Operations Officer at the CGT Catapult, said:
I'm incredibly excited to join the CGT Catapult at such a pivotal time for the industry. I look forward to working with the talented team at the CGT Catapult and with external collaborators and partners to advance innovation, accelerate the delivery of transformative therapies, and strengthen the UK’s position as a global leader in advanced medicines.
