Coulter Partners Recruits CEO for Babraham Research Campus
April 17, 2026 – Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Rich Ferrie as the new CEO of Babraham Research Campus Ltd (BRCL). “It has been a privilege to partner with Jo and the board on this high-profile appointment,” said Kay Wardle, managing partner at Coulter Partners. “Babraham Research Campus is fundamental to the U.K.’s scientific infrastructure. Our search focused on identifying individuals who understand where the industry is going and how the Campus can best position itself as the definitive destination for biotech companies to thrive. In Rich, we have found a leader who combines scientific rigor with a visionary approach to innovation space.”
“We are delighted to appoint Rich Ferrie as chief executive officer of BRCL,” said Jo Parfrey, chair, Babraham Research Campus board. “Rich brings a strong track record of leadership, along with deep experience and an extensive network across the life sciences and innovation ecosystem. His vision and energy will be instrumental as BRCL enters its next phase of growth, and we are very much looking forward to working with him. We are also grateful to Coulter Partners for its expert guidance and support throughout this process.”
“As one of five BBSRC-supported research and innovation campuses, Babraham Research Campus demonstrates how strategic investment can catalyze growth,” professor Anne Ferguson-Smith, executive chair of the UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), said. “By connecting cutting-edge bioscience with entrepreneurial expertise, it enables promising companies to scale, strengthens the UK life sciences ecosystem and helps turn breakthrough research into tangible health and economic benefits. We welcome Rich as the new CEO and look forward to working with him as the Campus and its community enters its next phase of growth and enhanced impact.”
Dr. Ferrie brings extensive leadership experience in life science innovation and ecosystem management. Most recently, he served as CEO of LBIC, a subsidiary of the Royal Veterinary College and a provider of innovation space in London’s Knowledge Quarter. During his tenure, he successfully doubled the center’s footprint and oversaw its 25th-anniversary milestone, which included receiving the One Nucleus award for Outstanding Contribution to Life Sciences in 2025.
Prior to that, Dr. Ferrie spent three years as director of innovation at University College Cork (UCC), where he was responsible for technology transfer, entrepreneurship, and incubation. This followed an 18-year career at the University of Manchester, culminating in his role as director of operations for its subsidiary innovation company. He began his career at AstraZeneca Diagnostics, where he held various scientific and business development positions before leading the international sales and marketing function.
Pivotal Time for U.K. Life Sciences
“I’m delighted to be taking the reins as CEO of Babraham Research Campus at this pivotal time for U.K. life sciences,” said Dr. Ferrie. “The Campus has a rich tradition of scientific leadership, with the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship a particular hallmark of the community. I am eager to work closely with the board and colleagues at BRCL together with the broader Cambridge ecosystem to build on its strengths, deepen its impact, shape its future development and set a sustainable trajectory for growth.”
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“The Babraham Research Campus is one of the top venues for bioscience ventures to start, grow, scale and invest in the U.K., acting as a crucible for transformative technologies, new medicines, and economic gains for the east of England and the U.K.,” professor Jim Smith, interim director, the Babraham Institute, added. “There is great mutual benefit in having a world-class bioscience research institute on Babraham Research Campus, with the Babraham Institute providing access to cutting-edge facilities and expertise, and we look forward to working with Rich as the Campus enters its next exciting phase.”
Coulter Partners is a board- and senior-level global executive search specialist focused exclusively on life sciences. The firm works closely with those at the cutting edge of innovation in the industry to understand their challenges. With an extensive global network and expertise gained over 25 years in the sector, Coulter Partners is a trusted leadership adviser in the pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical technology, diagnostics, health-tech, CRO, and services sectors.
Coulter Partners also works closely with the global investor community, hiring for their own teams as well as building the boards and executive leadership teams of their portfolio companies. Coulter Partners’ team of 95 completes over 260 assignments a year working from 14 offices across the U.K., EMEA, the U.S., and APAC.
Bianca Coulter founded Coulter Partners in 2003 and has 25 years’ experience of board and C-level global search, building the leadership teams of early-stage, mid-cap, and global multinationals in over 20 countries. Through appointing leadership, Ms. Coulter channels her judgment and expertise to impact patient benefit and assist those at the cutting edge of life science to achieve their goals.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
