Appointment of New Director
The Board of The Biotech Growth Trust PLC is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Dame Jenny Harries as an independent non-executive director of the Company, with effect from 16 September 2025.
Professor Harries served as Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) from its inception in 2021. In this role she oversaw the integration of Public Health England, the Joint Biosecurity Centre, the Covid Vaccine Task Force and NHS Test and Trace, establishing a unified agency tasked with protecting the nation from external health threats. Prior to leading UKHSA, she held the position of Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, where she played a pivotal role in the UK Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She has also played a central role in the UK’s response to Ebola, Zika, mpox, MERS and the Novichok attacks.
Her career spans decades of service in public health, including regional leadership roles at Public Health England and joint directorships in local government and NHS bodies across England and Wales. Her expertise extends internationally, having contributed to health policy and evaluation projects in countries such as Pakistan, Albania, India, Brazil and New Zealand. She has served on the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and was a member of the Expert Advisory Group on the NHS Constitution, reflecting her longstanding commitment to evidence-based health policy. In addition to a medical degree, she holds formal qualifications in pharmacology, business administration, health economics and strategic health service planning.
The Chair of The Biotech Growth Trust PLC, Roger Yates, commented:
“We are delighted to welcome Professor Harries to the Company. Her unparalleled experience in public health leadership and global health strategy will bring an invaluable perspective to the Board.”
Professor Harries has also been appointed to the Company’s Audit Committee, Management Engagement Committee and Nominations Committee with effect from 16 September 2025. Her appointment will be proposed to shareholders for election at the Annual General Meeting of the Company to be held in July 2026.
There is no further information to be disclosed under UK Listing Rule 6.4.8R.
