Glasgow: Chemify, a pioneering chemical science company, has announced the appointment of Dr. Alastair Leighton as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). This strategic hire comes as Chemify aims to enhance its operational capacity to meet the increasing demand for the design and synthesis of complex small molecules. Dr. Leighton brings nearly three decades of experience in the biopharma industry, having held significant roles at leading global pharmaceutical companies.
Dr. Leighton joins Chemify after serving as the Senior Vice President of Manufacturing and Supply at MeiraGTx, where he was instrumental in establishing comprehensive manufacturing and supply chain capabilities for commercial-stage gene therapies. His extensive background also includes key positions at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), where he served as Vice President and Site Director, and at Crucell, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, where he was Senior Director of Supply Chain Operations. Additionally, Dr. Leighton has held several roles at Novartis, including Segment Head for New Primary Operations and leader for their vaccines manufacturing facility.
His academic credentials include a BSc in Physics from the University of Sheffield and a PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Manchester, equipping him with a robust foundation to drive innovation in biopharmaceutical operations.
Dr. Lee Cronin, CEO of Chemify, expressed enthusiasm about Dr. Leighton’s appointment, stating, “I’m excited to welcome Alastair to Chemify to help us build and scale our ability to make complex molecules on demand at scale for our partners using Chemputation.” Dr. Cronin emphasized that Dr. Leighton’s expertise will be pivotal in meeting the growing demand for consistent and reproducible small molecule development.
Dr. Leighton himself shared his vision for Chemify, stating, “Chemify is uniquely positioned to disrupt the industry through its AI, digital chemistry, and robotics platform that will not only optimize and expedite the discovery of novel molecules but also accelerate the availability of life-saving treatments for patients.” His commitment to enhancing operational capabilities aligns with Chemify’s mission to leverage technology in transforming how complex molecules are designed and synthesized.
Chemify operates at the intersection of chemistry, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to revolutionize the way new molecules are discovered and produced. The company’s innovative approach is expected to streamline processes that traditionally require significant time and resources, thereby expediting the development of new drugs.
With Dr. Leighton’s leadership, Chemify is poised to enhance its operational efficiency while addressing unmet customer demands within the biopharmaceutical sector. The integration of advanced technologies such as AI into their workflows will enable Chemify to respond swiftly to market needs and foster collaborations with partners seeking cutting-edge solutions for drug development.
The appointment of Dr. Alastair Leighton as COO marks a significant milestone for Chemify as it continues its journey towards becoming a leader in the biopharmaceutical landscape. With his extensive experience in manufacturing, supply chain management, and commercial strategy, Dr. Leighton is well-equipped to guide Chemify in scaling its operations effectively.
As Chemify embarks on this new chapter under Dr. Leighton’s leadership, it aims not only to enhance its capacity for producing complex small molecules but also to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of life-saving treatments for patients worldwide. The company’s commitment to innovation positions it favorably within an evolving industry landscape that increasingly values speed, efficiency, and technological integration in drug development processes.
