Immunocore, the soluble TCR company developing first-in-class biologics that have the potential to transform patient lives, announces Dr Eliot Forster has stepped down as CEO.
Dr Forster informed the Board of his decision earlier this week and will be replaced, in an interim capacity, by Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Hotchkiss. Dr Forster will continue to work with Hotchkiss and the Immunocore leadership team to assist the transition and a search for his successor is underway.
Jonathan Knowles, Chairman of the Immunocore Board of Directors, said: "I would like to express my sincere appreciation for Eliot's achievements as CEO. He spearheaded Immunocore's transformation into a world leading T cell receptor company and one of the UK's biotechnology flag-carriers."
"With its lead candidate, IMCgp100, a first-in-class therapeutic for patients with metastatic uveal and cutaneous melanoma, now in a confirmatory phase of development, with a pivotal uveal melanoma study recruiting, Immunocore is advancing the preparation of its commercial strategy and developing its infrastructure more broadly."
"Andrew is an outstanding leader with years of valuable pharmaceutical industry experience. We anticipate a smooth transition during this next phase in the company's development."
Dr Forster said: "After three transformational years and in alignment with the future strategic needs of the business, I have decided this is the right moment for me to hand over the leadership reins."
"The business is now heading into the next promising phase of its evolution and in guiding Immunocore into this position, I feel I have completed the job I set out to do."
"Immunocore is now a world-class company, with an outstanding and talented team, and I am proud to have played my part in its transformation."
Andrew Hotchkiss, CEO of Immunocore, said: "Immunocore is a fantastic company built on a strong scientific foundation, which has the potential to transform patient care. I would personally like to thank Eliot for his tremendous leadership in advancing our promising pipeline of assets closer to patients. I'm looking forward to working with Immunocore's leadership team and Board as we drive our exciting technology towards the market."
Hotchkiss joined Immunocore as Chief Commercial Officer in 2017. In his new role as CEO, he will also sit on the Immunocore Board.
