Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, Matthew Durdy
The UK-based accelerator of cell and gene therapy companies announced that it would promote Matthew Durdy from chief business officer to the CEO position of the organization, replacing the outgoing Keith Thompson who had previously announced plans to retire in April 2020.
The appointment comes at a crucial time for UK industry, with employment numbers in the space increasing rapidly and investment going the same way.
Durdy has worked at the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGTC) for the last seven years, since its inception. Prior to this, he was chief executive of Aqix for six years, a business which provides a preservative solution for tissues, organs and cells during transport.
John Brown, chairman of CGTC, said, “We are delighted to appoint Matthew to the role. He has been a key member of the team that has delivered the success of the CGTC to date and brings a previous history of managing growth in successful organizations.”
As part of the announcement, CGTC stated that the organization is preparing for the further expansion of the industry, with Durdy emphasizing that his focus would be on meeting this demand to create ‘high value jobs’ in the UK.
