Dave originally joined the pharma industry as a bench scientist, and was awarded successive promotions to eventually spend over two decades as one of the most senior leaders in GSK research and development (R&D) based in the UK. He has a track record of building and leading teams that have succeeded in discovering and developing new medicines, often in complex and highly regulated environments. Seven new respiratory medicines that his team discovered and developed are now available worldwide, including the UK.

Dave has led functions comprising many hundreds of highly qualified scientists from multiple disciplines, with a focus on inclusion and diversity, scientific integrity and financial responsibility. He was a core member of GSK’s scientific governance and research investment boards for over two decades. 

Dave has also led many international business and academic collaborations and alliances (including the Crick-GSK collaboration), has been a member of various university scientific advisory boards, a board member for the Stevenage Science Park, a charity trustee and an impact assessor for both REF2014 and REF2021. Dave trained as a chemist at the University of Oxford. He was awarded an honorary doctorate for his contribution to drug discovery and made a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

I’m delighted that Dave will take up this important role for the Crick. Dave is a very highly regarded R&D leader and I look forward to working with him to accelerate the translational impact of Crick-originated discoveries.

Stephen Mayhew, Chief Business Officer

Please join us in giving Dave a warm welcome.