Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult appoints Dr Jim Faulkner as new Chair
London, UK, 29 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 Jim Faulkner as its new Chairman, effective from 29th July 2025.
In his role as Chair, Jim will provide strategic guidance and advice to the organisation as it continues its work supporting the advanced therapies sector in the UK and ensuring life-changing cell and gene therapies reach patients.
Jim, who has been a Non-Executive Director of the CGT Catapult since April 2024, is an experienced leader within the biopharmaceutical and cell and gene therapy industry. 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.
He 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 GSK (GlaxoSmithKline).
Jim takes over from Ian McCubbin, who has held the role of Chair since 2022.
Ian McCubbin, outgoing Chair of the CGT Catapult, said:
It has been an honour to serve as Chair at the CGT Catapult, helping the organisation adapt to the changing needs of the sector. For the past year, Jim has played a valuable role on the board and, as he moves into the Chair role, I’m confident he will continue to work effectively alongside the rest of the leadership team to ensure the CGT Catapult supports the industry to deliver new therapies, and drive economic growth in the UK.
Dr Jim Faulkner, new Chair of the CGT Catapult, said:
I am delighted and honoured to be taking on the Chair role at this time, with the CGT Catapult continuing to play a critical role in fostering the development of a vibrant cell and gene therapy ecosystem in the UK. By helping to connect the relevant experts in industry, academia and clinical research, the CGT Catapult accelerates the delivery of life-changing medicines to UK patients who are in desperate need of new therapeutic options. It has been a privilege to work alongside our current Chair, Ian McCubbin, for the last 16 months and I'd like to put on record our profound gratitude for his expert steering of the CGT Catapult Board for the last three and a half years.
