Press release: CGT Catapult appoints Dr Sharon Brownlow as Chief Business Officer

Sharon brings to the role her expertise in strategic and commercial leadership and enabling collaboration in the cell and gene therapy industry.

The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult) has today announced the appointment of Dr Sharon Brownlow as its Chief Business Officer (CBO) with effect from 1 August 2020. This comes after a formal external and internal recruitment process initiated after former CBO Matthew Durdy
was appointed
Sharon Brownlow, Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult
to the role of Chief Executive Officer.

Sharon is currently Commercial Director at the CGT Catapult manufacturing centre in Stevenage, having successfully led the commercial operations at the facility for over three years. In this time, Sharon played a pivotal role in securing collaborative research funding with partners and supporting the growth and productivity of the Manufacturing Centre.

As CBO, Sharon will be responsible for strategy and finding, funding and transacting business,
ensuring the continued success and impact of CGT Catapult moving forward.

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

Sharon has been key to the exceptional success of the Manufacturing Centre and our collaborators over the past three years, and has a clear passion for the work we are doing to develop our pioneering industry. This news represents a fantastic appointment for CGT Catapult and will ensure we continue to collaborate and innovate with our partners in industry moving forward.

In addition to her infectious enthusiasm for the UK cell and gene therapy industry, Sharon brings a unique combination of experience to the role. She has an academic background in biophysics and postdoctoral research, followed by 30 years’ experience in biotechnology including strategic leadership and commercial roles with technology suppliers and contract development and manufacturing organisations.

Sharon Brownlow, Chief Business Officer, Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult:

I am immensely proud to be appointed to this role and to continue contributing to the hugely important work of this company and its amazing team of people. It is a truly exciting time for CGT Catapult and our collaborators, as we strive to continue making the UK a leader in the development and commercialisation of cell and gene therapies.