Simon Lennard

Simon is a life sciences leader with more than 25 years of experience spanning biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, innovation strategy and organisational leadership. He has held senior scientific, operational and portfolio leadership roles at Cambridge Antibody Technology, MedImmune and AstraZeneca, where he most recently served as Vice President, Global Portfolio & Project Management in BioPharmaceuticals R&D.

Throughout his career, Simon has worked at the interface of science, industry, entrepreneurship and investment helping organisations translate innovation into sustainable societal and economic impact. His experience spans R&D strategy, corporate and portfolio governance, organisational transformation, industry partnerships and the commercialisation of emerging technologies. He has supported the progression of multiple innovative medicines and technologies from discovery through to clinical development, commercialisation and patient benefit.

L-:Today, Simon has a portfolio career supporting innovation across the life sciences sector. He advises biotechnology companies, founders and investors on strategy, partnering and the translation of scientific innovation into scalable businesses. He also mentors early-stage health and biotechnology ventures through the KQ Labs accelerator programme at the Francis Crick Institute.

 

Simon is passionate about how interdisciplinary innovation ecosystems can accelerate scientific discovery, commercialisation and real-world impact. He is particularly interested in strengthening connections between universities, industry, entrepreneurs and investors, supporting the translation of research into investable spinouts that can successfully partner and scale. He is also actively involved in initiatives that connect life sciences, deep technology, venture investment and emerging sectors such as space-enabled biotechnology.

As a Governor, Simon brings experience in strategic governance, innovation leadership and industry engagement together with a collaborative leadership style and a strong commitment to supporting ARU's mission of transforming lives through innovative, inclusive and entrepreneurial education and research.

Details of Trusteeships:

• None