Key appointments strengthen leadership team in drug R&D innovation

Medicines Discovery Catapult (MDC), a national leader in advancing drug R&D, has enhanced its executive leadership with two strategic appointments: Dr Francesca Sadler as Chief Commercial Officer and Dr Mike Strange as Managing Director.

Dr Francesca Sadler joins MDC as Chief Commercial Officer, bringing over 20 years of experience in commercialising high-quality scientific services across both UK and international markets. In her role, she will oversee MDC's Communications, Commercial, and Business Development teams, focusing on strengthening MDC’s external presence and expanding its commercial activities, including managing its investment portfolio.

Dr Sadler expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity: “Innovation is at the core of MDC’s ethos, and I look forward to working with its talented team to co-develop and execute an ambitious strategy for FY25/26 and beyond, building on the momentum MDC has already established.”

In a further strategic move, MDC has appointed its first Managing Director, Dr Mike Strange, who will take on the role in February. Mike will provide leadership and drive the execution of MDC's business strategies, helping to amplify the organisation’s impact in the life sciences sector.

Dr Strange brings extensive life sciences leadership experience, having previously led industry partnerships at GSK, including the Tres Cantos Open Lab and the Africa Non-Communicable Diseases Open Lab. In his role at LifeArc as Head of Global Health, he played a key part in designing and launching the pioneering PACE collaborative R&D programme with MDC.

“I’m thrilled to join MDC at such a pivotal moment for the sector,” said Dr Strange. “The organisation’s ambition and values resonate deeply with me, and I look forward to working with the team to drive meaningful impact in drug discovery.”

MDC has supported over 300 companies, helping them secure over £1.2 billion in R&D investment, driving economic growth, and advancing drug discovery to improve patient outcomes.

Professor Chris Molloy, CEO of MDC, welcomed the new leadership, saying: “We are delighted to have Francesca and Mike on board, with their deep expertise and commitment to advancing the sector. Their leadership will be instrumental as we continue our work at the forefront of drug R&D, delivering results for the scientific community and patients alike.”

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