Coulter Partners places COO at Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult

CGT Catapult is an independent technology and innovation organization specializing in the advancement of the cell and gene therapy industry through powerful collaborations.

Ed Samuel has over 20 years of experience in advanced therapies, including leadership roles at Achilles Therapeutics, Orchard Therapeutics, Cognate BioServices, and University College London.

As COO of the CGT Catapult, he will be responsible for its Manufacturing Innovation team and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facilities. He will also work to optimize its operational and scientific capabilities and support the development of a long-term innovation strategy, ensuring CGT Catapult remains at the forefront of technological and scientific advances.

Matthew Durdy, Chief Executive of the CGT Catapult, said: “Ed brings with him a wealth of experience in solving complex scientific, technical and organizational challenges, and a passion for bringing new therapies to patients. He will be a valuable addition to our leadership, helping us evolve our manufacturing and scientific offering to ensure we continue to provide effective support to the advanced therapies sector.”

Commenting on the placement, Matthew Durdy also added: “The appointment of Ed as our new COO is a pivotal hire for the CGT Catapult as we enter our next phase of evolution. Coulter Partners' collaborative approach was invaluable; their expertise in not only finding an exceptional candidate, but also in helping us define exactly what was needed for this business-critical role, was a great support. We are very grateful for their work in ensuring we found the ideal leader.”

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Dr. Ed Samuel, Chief Operations Officer at the CGT Catapult

Ed Samuel brings over two decades of leadership experience in the development and delivery of advanced therapies. This spans early research translation through to regulatory approvals and global clinical manufacturing, including designing and building licensed manufacturing facilities, tech transfer, process optimization, implementing digital and automated manufacturing platforms, and operational scale-up across the UK, EU, and US.

Most recently serving as Executive Vice President of Technical Operations at Achilles Therapeutics, Ed was instrumental in scaling operations from early-stage manufacturing through to commercial readiness. In his role Ed was responsible for expanding its technical teams across multiple sites and as part of the company’s senior leadership team support raising over $300 million (USD) in financing, including a successful IPO in 2021, as well as advancing several personalized cell therapy programs.

Prior to Achilles, Ed held senior roles at Orchard Therapeutics, Cognate BioServices, and University College London, where he led cell and gene therapy product development and supported pioneering first-in-human clinical programs.

Ed holds a PhD in Hematology and Immunology from University College London, an MSc in Medical Immunology from King’s College London, and a BSc in Applied Biology from Nottingham Trent University.

About the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult

About Coulter Partners