Appointments

Syncona Ltd has announced the appointment of Roel Bulthuis as managing partner and head of investments. Bulthuis has over 20 years of experience in life sciences venture capital, business development and investment banking, that he brings with him to his new role.

Previously, Bulthuis worked at Amsterdam-based Inkef Capital as managing partner and head of healthcare. In this role he led the firm’s growth into a leading European healthcare VC platform. Prior to this he worked as senior vice president and managing director of Merck Group’s M-Ventures for almost tenyears,playinganinstrumental role in creating the business and growing it to a leading corporate venture capital fund. He has also held various senior positions in global business development at Merck Serono and was part of the investment banking team at Fortis Bank.

In his new role, it is expected that Bulthuis will manage and develop Syncona’s growing investment team, while playing an important role on the leadership team.

Commenting on his new appointment, Roel Bulthuis stated: “Syncona has a unique approach to leveraging the best scientific innovation and creating globally leading life science businesses that have a real impact on patients. I am excited by the opportunity to embed myself into a team with such a breath of experience and expertise and look forward to contributing to the achievement of their important mission.”

Chris Hollowood, chief executive officer of Syncona Investment Management Limited, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Roel to Syncona. He has an impressive track record of investing in great life science businesses through the cycle and taking a long-term view on generating value – both principles which are central to our approach. [...] I am looking forward to working alongside Roel and on behalf of the team welcome him to Syncona.”