CGT Catapult appoints new Chair 

The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult), the UK’s independent innovation and technology organisation dedicated to accelerating the cell and gene therapy sector, has appointed Dr Jim Faulkner as Chair, effective 29 July 2025.

Dr Faulkner, who joined the CGT Catapult Board as a Non-Executive Director in 2024, brings over two decades of leadership experience in the biopharmaceutical and advanced therapies industry. His career has seen him contribute to the development of more than 25 therapies, including several gene therapy and CAR-T programmes now in the clinic. Alongside board responsibilities, he runs an independent consultancy advising biotech and pharma companies on advanced therapy development, having previously held senior posts at Apple Tree Partners, Ascidian Therapeutics, Autolus, and GSK.

He succeeds Ian McCubbin, who has chaired the CGT Catapult since 2022. McCubbin praised Faulkner’s contributions over the past year and expressed confidence in his leadership, noting the Catapult’s continuing role in enabling new therapies to reach patients and in supporting UK growth in the life sciences.

Commenting on his appointment, Dr Faulkner said:

“I’m honoured to take on this role at a pivotal time for the UK’s cell and gene therapy ecosystem. The CGT Catapult plays a vital role in connecting researchers, industry and clinicians to accelerate the development of transformative medicines. Our mission is clear: to ensure that patients who urgently need new options benefit from cutting-edge therapies.”

The leadership transition underscores the Catapult’s mission to maintain the UK’s global standing in advanced therapies, supporting innovation, collaboration and delivery of next-generation medicines.

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