The BioIndustry Association (BIA) has appointed Chris Molloy as its new chief executive officer, effective May 2026, strengthening leadership as the UK’s life sciences sector continues to grow and evolve.

Molloy is the founding chief executive officer of the Medicines Discovery Catapult, where he has worked with organisations across academia, industry, the NHS and private capital to drive innovation for patients in the UK and internationally. He is a trustee of the Institute of Cancer Research and chairs the industry advisory boards for the Greater Manchester Biomedical Research Centre and Health Innovation Manchester. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led the Lighthouse Laboratories, delivering the UK’s largest diagnostics programme and chaired the consortium for the manufacture and scale-up of lateral flow testing.

Shaun Grady, chair of BIA, said: “The BIA finds itself in rude health and is held in high regard by our members and key stakeholders across the sector, thanks to the tireless work of the BIA leadership and colleagues across the organisation. Chris will bring fresh perspective and energy, reflecting his international experience and reach, as well as extensive leadership of large, cross-functional teams in both the not-for-profit and private sectors in the UK. The Board would like to take this opportunity to thank Jane Wall and the leadership team, who seamlessly and expertly stepped up to lead the BIA since September 2025. Jane’s ongoing contribution and leadership continues to be highly valued by all our members.”

Molloy said: “The BIA is recognised at home and internationally as a progressive force for UK bioscience, working to create the best environment for its companies to grow. As the sector evolves and the world changes, we need to continue to harness the UK’s strengths to develop a broader set of data-driven, clinically active, growth-ready science and services companies across our sector. I’m looking forward to spending time with members to understand better their present challenges and undoubted opportunities.”

Molloy brings over 30 years of UK and international experience across the life sciences sector, spanning biopharma, clinical services, diagnostics, venture-backed companies, talent management, and data and informatics. He combines a focus on creating impact for patients with experience navigating complex government and regulatory environments to support sector infrastructure and growth.