LINK Appoints New CEO
BELLSHILL, SCOTLAND, 29 September 2014: LINK (www.linktech.co.uk), the specialist oligonucleotide reagent developer and manufacturer, has announced the appointment of Dr David Ricketts as its new Chief Executive Officer, taking over the position from current CEO, Dr John Bremner, on 20 October 2014.
Of his appointment, Dr Ricketts said: “I'm delighted and very excited to join LINK as CEO and it's an honour and challenge to take over as part of the management team. LINK has grown successfully over the last 25 years, and there is a very solid platform from which to develop and expand our business. We'll be embarking on a spirited and energetic growth strategy with its prime focus on aligning to customer needs in what is a rapidly expanding and dynamic market. The vibrant culture at LINK already translates into a much-admired customer experience and I look forward to being part of that.”
David Ricketts, a graduate of the University of Oxford, has over 25 years’ experience in the life science industry, including posts as CEO of Pharma Diagnostics NV in Belgium and, most recently, CEO FibromEd in Edinburgh. He has also spent 5 years as an interim manager and consultant, working with companies providing products and services to drug discovery companies, including Gentronix and Cyprotex.
Outgoing CEO, John Bremner, commented: “David is exactly the type of CEO LINK needs at this stage in its growth. He will bring a combination of energy and experience that is sure to stimulate the company and drive it to further success. Whilst it is sad to leave such a great company after so many years, I leave knowing the company is in good hands and good health. I wish David every success.” John will remain with LINK as an expert consultant for a transitional period, with a view to retiring by the end of 2014, after which he will retain an interest in the Company as a shareholder. Dr Mike Gray, Chief Operating Officer, spoke of John’s departure: “John has been fundamental to the conception, birth and growth of LINK for 25 years. His contribution has been immense and for that everyone at LINK thanks him wholeheartedly. It is with some sadness therefore that we close this chapter in LINK’s story, however we warmly welcome David and look forward with excitement to the next.”
About David Ricketts
David has over 25 years’ experience in the life science industry, and joins LINK after 2 years as CEO of FibromEd, an Edinburgh University spin-out commercialising stem cell products. Prior to this, David was CEO of Pharma Diagnostics NV in Belgium, a company providing screening reagents to the drug discovery market. David’s career has focused on business development for a range of SMEs developing discovery biology and chemistry technologies, products and services for use in life science R&D. Prior to Pharma Diagnostics, David spent 5 years as an interim manager and consultant, working with companies providing products and services to drug discovery companies, including Gentronix and Cyprotex. In addition, David’s international experience includes 3 years working on the US West Coast and over 50 visits to Japan. David’s first degree was in biochemistry, followed by a D.Phil in computer aided molecular design, both at the University of Oxford. For further information see uk.linkedin.com/pub/david-ricketts/7/3a3/b41.
About LINK
LINK, an ISO9001:2008 certified manufacturer, is a leading kilo-scale supplier of speciality reagents for oligonucleotide synthesis and modification. The company’s main markets are university and commercial research departments, oligonucleotide synthesis companies, plus, increasingly, larger Contract Manufacturing Organisations (CMOs) in the biotech sector.
LINK has also forged successful links to academia working closely with many UK universities. In tandem with internal research and development, the Company has an excellent record in bringing in-licence products to market with various worldwide commercial partners. LINK is a trading name of Link Technologies Ltd, Scotland.
For further information see: www.linktech.co.uk.
Outgoing CEO, John Bremner, commented: “David is exactly the type of CEO LINK needs at this stage in its growth. He will bring a combination of energy and experience that is sure to stimulate the company and drive it to further success. Whilst it is sad to leave such a great company after so many years, I leave knowing the company is in good hands and good health. I wish David every success.” John will remain with LINK as an expert consultant for a transitional period, with a view to retiring by the end of 2014, after which he will retain an interest in the Company as a shareholder. Dr Mike Gray, Chief Operating Officer, spoke of John’s departure: “John has been fundamental to the conception, birth and growth of LINK for 25 years. His contribution has been immense and for that everyone at LINK thanks him wholeheartedly. It is with some sadness therefore that we close this chapter in LINK’s story, however we warmly welcome David and look forward with excitement to the next.”
About David Ricketts
David has over 25 years’ experience in the life science industry, and joins LINK after 2 years as CEO of FibromEd, an Edinburgh University spin-out commercialising stem cell products. Prior to this, David was CEO of Pharma Diagnostics NV in Belgium, a company providing screening reagents to the drug discovery market. David’s career has focused on business development for a range of SMEs developing discovery biology and chemistry technologies, products and services for use in life science R&D. Prior to Pharma Diagnostics, David spent 5 years as an interim manager and consultant, working with companies providing products and services to drug discovery companies, including Gentronix and Cyprotex. In addition, David’s international experience includes 3 years working on the US West Coast and over 50 visits to Japan. David’s first degree was in biochemistry, followed by a D.Phil in computer aided molecular design, both at the University of Oxford. For further information see uk.linkedin.com/pub/david-ricketts/7/3a3/b41.
About LINK
LINK, an ISO9001:2008 certified manufacturer, is a leading kilo-scale supplier of speciality reagents for oligonucleotide synthesis and modification. The company’s main markets are university and commercial research departments, oligonucleotide synthesis companies, plus, increasingly, larger Contract Manufacturing Organisations (CMOs) in the biotech sector.
LINK has also forged successful links to academia working closely with many UK universities. In tandem with internal research and development, the Company has an excellent record in bringing in-licence products to market with various worldwide commercial partners. LINK is a trading name of Link Technologies Ltd, Scotland.
For further information see: www.linktech.co.uk.