Manchester-based pharmacogenetic testing company Genedrive plc announced that Mark Winkler and Mike Fairbourn have agreed to join its board as independent non-executive directors from September 1, 2026.
Genedrive has announced a number of board changes in recent months.
“The appointments strengthen the board’s financial, strategic, healthcare and commercial expertise as genedrive enters its next phase of growth, focused on scaling adoption of its pharmacogenetic tests in the UK and expanding its international business,” said Genedrive.
“Mark brings extensive financial, strategic and corporate finance experience, advising growth companies, multinational businesses and investors on strategy, finance, governance and growth capital.
“He is the founder and CEO of Red Earth Advisors and previously held senior roles at Stonehage Fleming and Deloitte where he qualified as an ACA.
“Mike brings more than three decades of commercial and leadership experience across the pharmaceutical and medical technology sectors.
“He spent almost 20 years at global medical technology company Becton Dickinson, including as Vice President and General Manager for the UK and Ireland, and served for ten years on the Board of the Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI), the UK’s leading industry association for health technology, including products such as single use devices, diagnostics and digitally enhanced technologies.
“It is proposed that Mark Winkler will chair the company’s Audit and Remuneration Committees.
“As previously communicated, Chris Yates, who has served on the board since 2018, has today stepped down as a Non-Executive Director in order to focus on his other professional commitments.”
Genedrive CEO Graham Cole said: “Mark and Mike bring highly complementary experience and skills to the board at an important stage for genedrive as we build on the progress already made and look to further scale the business.
“Their experience will be invaluable as we focus on broadening adoption of our pharmacogenetic tests, strengthening commercial execution and delivering sustainable growth and value for shareholders.
“On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Chris for his commitment and significant contribution to genedrive over the past eight years, and for his support during this period of Board transition. We wish him continued success in the future.”
Winkler said: “genedrive has built a strong foundation and I look forward to working with Graham, Gino and the wider Board, bringing my financial, strategic and governance experience to support disciplined growth and the company’s ambitions as it scales.”
Fairbourn said: “genedrive has developed innovative pharmacogenetic tests addressing important clinical needs.
“Having spent much of my career working at the interface between healthcare innovation and clinical practice, I am particularly excited by the opportunity to help broaden adoption and embed these technologies into healthcare pathways in the UK and internationally.”