Dr James Campbell, CEO and managing director of Patrys Limited, has been appointed as chair of AusBiotech following a unanimous vote by the Board.
Dr Campbell, who initially joined AusBiotech as a non-executive director in April 2021, has been serving as interim chair since November 2023.
According to AusBiotech, his leadership during this period has enhanced the firm’s role as the leading voice for Australia’s life sciences sector to the government, investors, and the international community.
Commenting on the announcement, Dr Campbell said, “It’s an extraordinary privilege to be appointed Chair of AusBiotech and to lead our organisation in partnership with the Board and our CEO, Rebekah Cassidy, at such a pivotal time for our members,” he said.
Dr Campbell continued, “As Australia’s biotech, medtech, and diagnostics companies scale up and out, it’s crucial that AusBiotech continues to strengthen its role as the informed, leading, and trusted voice of our sector. Our strategic trajectory over the coming years must be one of growth and transformation for the benefit of our members.”
With Australia modernising its economy and emphasising sovereign capabilities in key industries like life sciences, Dr Campbell said he sees a bright future for AusBiotech.
“AusBiotech has the opportunity to deliver a collaborative, clear, and aligned voice that supports investment attraction and commercialisation success,” he noted.
“I’m grateful to my fellow Board members for their invitation to become Chair and their unanimous support. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with them, our CEO, and the dedicated AusBiotech team to achieve our goals.”
Meanwhile, AusBiotech CEO Rebekah Cassidy expressed her enthusiasm for Dr Campbell’s appointment, highlighting his leadership and expertise.
“James’ expansive leadership experience combined with his hands-on expertise in commercialising and licensing innovative therapies for patient benefit is of immense value as we build a strong platform for AusBiotech’s renewed strategy,” she stated.
Cassidy added, “As AusBiotech focuses on how we can collaboratively build the sector’s capabilities and capacity, Board understanding of the opportunities and challenges along the development pathway is critical.”
She also emphasised the collaborative spirit that Dr Campbell fosters: “I’m personally grateful to James and the Board for their support over recent weeks. I’m looking forward to working closely as we lead a new way forward with our committed AusBiotech team.”
