Orchard Therapeutics Names President and CEO

Mark Rothera has been appointed president and chief executive officer, Orchard Therapeutics. Mr. Rothera has 28 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, including transitioning multiple emerging biotechnology companies from R&D stage to commercialization. During his career, he has focused on bringing novel therapies to market for rare diseases, and has launched seven orphan drugs. 

Mr. Rothera recently served as chief commercial officer of PTC Therapeutics, where he helped transition the company from a private, US-based R&D biotech to a public, commercial stage company with products in 47 countries. Prior to joining PTC, he served as Global President of Aegerion Pharmaceuticals Inc. and vice president and general manager of commercial operations at Shire Human Genetic Therapies for Europe, Middle East and Africa.  

Company directors Ben Auspitz and Alex Pasteur, of F-Prime Capital, said “We are delighted to welcome Mark as CEO of Orchard. He has a patient-centred approach and is focused on delivering access to innovative therapies as early as possible. He joins Orchard at a key time, as we progress a mature clinical pipeline towards several major milestones. Mark brings proven commercialization and leadership skills, and he will have a great impact on the company during our next phase of growth.”