Cardiff-based CatSci, a fast-growing and award-winning process research and development contract research organisation (CRO), has appointed a new senior leadership team as part of its strategic expansion in supporting global innovator pharma to meet their growing Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) needs.

These key members of staff will enable the cofounding directors to focus on ancillary strategy, building upon CatSci’s continued growth. This will help to balance the company mission of delivering affordable, best-in-class small molecule therapeutics with the vision of striving to create 500 high-value jobs by 2030.

The broad expertise of the new leadership team completely encompasses the wealth of knowledge at CatSci, adding extensive leadership experience and pharmaceutical industry understanding:

Dr Alan Steven, Senior Principal Scientist, joins CatSci with an incredibly strong pedigree in process research and development. This includes over 10 years of experience with AstraZeneca: designing manufacturing processes and control strategies for small molecule APIs, supporting post-launch improvement activities and championing green chemistry and engineering initiatives. His appointment will ensure CatSci continues to deliver scientific excellence across all projects and grow its capabilities accordingly.
Duncan Thompson, Analytical Team Leader, has over 25 years of analytical chemistry, process analytics and leadership in large pharma process research and development. His expertise will enable CatSci to grow its analytical team and capabilities, delivering analytical excellence that is fully integrated into tailored chemistry solutions to its customers’ needs.
Dr Mark Waring, General Manager, joins CatSci with over 20 years of experience in manufacturing and the CRO environment. He comes to CatSci from his most recent role as Site Director at Pharmaron, where he was responsible for EHS, quality and operational performance. At CatSci he will leverage this extensive experience and leadership to develop and strengthen the CatSci team, enabling the company to better address its customers’ ever-evolving drug substance development needs. After a period of integration, Mark will assume full responsibility for the business unit, including P&L.
Dr Sam Whitmarsh, Head of Process Research and Development, brings 15 years of analytical and leadership experience from past roles at BP and AstraZeneca. In his new position, he will lead the technical function with accountability for delivering greener, safer and more cost-effective process research and development services. Moreover, he will help to maximise the potential of CatSci’s scientists, helping to deliver innovative solutions to our customers.

This news comes at an exciting time for CatSci, as it joins the highly esteemed ACS Green Chemistry Institute Pharmaceutical Roundtable. This is the industry-leading organisation dedicated to catalysing the integration of green chemistry and engineering in the pharmaceutical industry. CatSci will leverage this opportunity and its expertise to champion the incorporation of environmentally and economically sustainable technology into the drug development pipeline.

Dr Ross Burn, CEO, said: “We are delighted to welcome our new leadership team to Cardiff. The appointments show CatSci’s strong ambition for growth, and marks yet another exciting phase of expansion. These appointments will prove a key part of CatSci’s journey and continued progression, strengthening our team and accelerating the development of economically and environmentally sustainable chemical processes.”

Dr Alan Steven, Senior Principal Scientist, said: “I am thrilled to be able to work with the talented group of scientists at CatSci at such a critical juncture of the company’s growth journey.”

Duncan Thompson, Analytical Team Leader, said “I feel privileged to be joining an agile company where teamwork amongst top calibre scientists focusses on meeting customer needs. There is a real buzz of excitement for delivering high-quality chemistry that will have a positive impact on global patient health.”

Dr Sam Whitmarsh, Head of Process Research and Development, said: “CatSci is moving from strength to strength, motivated by great customer service and powered by a passionate and talented group of experts. I look forward to supporting this amazing team as we continue to grow in size and technical depth for the benefit of our customers.”

Dr Mark Waring, General Manager, said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to join such a dynamic, motivated and technically excellent group of people. I hope my experience and knowledge will enable CatSci’s fast-growing team to flourish and deliver excellence in process research and development.”