Manchester-based molecular diagnostics company Genedrive announced the immediate appointment of James Cheek as CEO.

Cheek will succeed David Budd who has notified the company of his intention to step down from the role with immediate effect.

“James brings extensive commercial and operational experience at a senior level through a successful career with established diagnostic companies such as Cepheid, Beckman Coulter, and Roche Diagnostics, as well as serving as an executive board member of the British In Vitro Diagnostics Association (BIVDA),” said Genedrive.

“The board believes James’ experience, especially his extensive involvement in selling into the NHS, will be valuable as the company expands its commercial footprint and opportunities within the UK and more widely.”

Genedrive also announced the appointment of Dr Gino Miele, chief scientific officer at Genedrive, to the board as an executive director, with immediate effect.

“Gino has considerable experience in the development of molecular diagnostic technologies and systems and has been the R&D director at genedrive since 2015 and its predecessor Epistem since 2011,” said said Genedrive.

“Prior to that Gino has held associate director positions in personalised medicine at Wyeth and Pfizer. Gino has been a key driver in the development of the genedrive® system and the recent menu of pharmacogenetic tests.”

Genedrive Ian Gilhamsaid: “I am pleased to welcome James to the company and look forward to working with him on the continued execution of our plans in commercialising our innovative Point-of-Care molecular diagnostic platform and tests.

“The focus of the Board remains on the development and commercialisation of novel Point-of-Care Molecular Diagnostic opportunities available to the company.

“James’ appointment underlines the board’s commitment to the ongoing successful commercial execution of the company’s innovative portfolio.

“I would also like to welcome Gino to the board and look forward to his ongoing contributions to the company going forwards.

“I would also like to thank David for his dedication and leadership over the past seven years, as he transitioned the company from a Contract Research Organisation to being an innovator in the development of molecular diagnostics for use at Point-of-Care.

“David has agreed to support James as required during his transition into his new role.”

Cheek said: “I am very pleased to be joining Genedrive at such a pivotal time for the launch and commercialisation of new rapid Point-of-Care pharmacogenetic tests for antibiotic induced hearing loss in children and optimal treatment selection for stroke patients on the Genedrive platform.

“I look forward to working with the outstanding individuals at genedrive, to deliver solutions that our customers need.”