CCO to guide accelerated growth in key global markets

Steve Becker has been appointed as chief commercial officer (CCO) for cell and gene therapies developer Broken String Biosciences. An experienced global life sciences executive, he will guide the expansion of the company’s commercial operations and implement a robust go-to-market strategy for its next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based DNA break-mapping platform, INDUCE-seq®, as the company looks to strengthen its position across key markets.

Following the close of its $15M Series A funding round in 2023, Broken String has been focused on delivering an ambitious expansion strategy and revenue growth, including several high-profile leadership appointments. Steve will direct the commercialisation strategy for the platform including development of a scalable ‘Platform as a Service’ offering and extension of the technology’s capabilities beyond gene-editing. He will also lead the global sales and marketing teams, business development function and technical support operations, including building the company’s US commercial operations.

A renowned leader in the industry, with over 30 years’ experience managing diverse teams to develop scalable market development strategies across start-ups and multi-national organisations, he joins Broken String from Thermo Fisher Scientific where he led the licensing and commercial supply channel for the Genetic Sciences and Clinical Oncology NGS divisions. He previously held executive level positions at Quest Diagnostics, Athena Diagnostics Inc. and RainDance Technologies, in addition to leadership roles at Agilent Technologies and GE Healthcare.

Steve Becker commented: “What attracted me to Broken String Biosciences was its game-changing technology and talented team of dedicated pioneers changing the way we look at cell and gene therapy development. The company is at the forefront of the field, supporting developers to ensure these transformative treatments can become a safe reality for patients.” He added: “I’m keen to hit the ground running as part of the leadership team, to build robust partnerships and create an exceptional customer experience. I’m excited about the role we will play in accelerating broad accessibility of cell and gene therapies that will profoundly impact human health.” 

Felix Dobbs PhD, CEO, Broken String Biosciences, said: “We’re delighted that Steve is joining us to lead the company’s commercial activities based out of Boston MA. As we enter our next stage of commercial growth and focus on establishing broad adoption of the INDUCE-seq platform, Steve’s support will be pivotal in executing the successful launch of our commercial offering, as well as establishing strong partnerships with leading academic and industry players in the genomics and cell & gene therapy markets.”

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