Press Release: CGT Catapult appoints Dr Nick Johnson as Chief Strategy and Impact Officer

Leader in strategy and delivering commercial value to the pharmaceutical, chemical and innovation fields, brings his significant experience to CGT Catapult. Dr Nick Johnson, previously Commercial Director at CPI, joins CGT Catapult today.

The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult) has today announced the appointment of Dr Nick Johnson as its Chief Strategy and Impact Officer (CSIO) effective as of today. Dr Johnson was previously Commercial Director at the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) which forms part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult.

The new CSIO position was identified earlier in the year, to ensure that the work of the CGT Catapult remains at the forefront of driving innovation in the field of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs). Building on the existing strong collaborations with academia and industry, Dr Johnson will focus on the continued alignment to the Government’s goal to grow the UK’s cell and gene therapy industry.

Matthew Durdy, Chief Executive Officer, Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult commented:

Nick is a wonderful addition to our leadership team. He brings over 25 years of experience in delivering pharmaceutical and commercial value, on top of the know-how of having worked for another highly impactful Catapult with a strong focus on innovation and partnerships. The team is very much looking forward to welcoming Nick in this new role.

Prior to joining CPI Dr Johnson has held Strategic Director roles at Johnson Matthey and Catalent as well as SAFC.

Dr Nick Johnson said:

I am extremely excited to be joining the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult at such an exciting time, in order to help the company continue to support the growing network of organisations dedicated to discovering, developing and commercialising cell and gene therapies. These innovations are truly life changing, bringing the hope of treatments or even cures for serious diseases where previously there have been no effective interventions.