CEO steps down at Oxford’s Ochre Bio

Ochre Bio, an Oxford firm developing therapies for chronic liver disease, has seen a shakeup in leadership as CEO Jack O’Meara steps down.

Dr Eliot Forster, who joined as chair of Ochre Bio in 2023, has been named executive chair in an interim capacity.

Jack said: “It’s been a rare privilege to have helped build Ochre from an idea on a page to a biotech that’s a leader in technology-enabled drug discovery and a business with a strong set of values and culture.

“As the company heads into its next phase, the time has come for me to pass the baton as CEO.

“I feel a deep sense of pride in what we’ve collectively achieved and gratitude for the kindness shown to me by countless folks along the way.

“I have no doubt that this outstanding team will have a profound impact on the treatment of liver diseases.”

Jack’s tenure as CEO saw Ochre close several funding rounds and secure high-value partnerships with Boehringer Ingelheim and GSK.

Eliot added: “Jack co-founded the company in 2019 and has taken it from a startup to a leader in liver diseases.

“He steps away with Ochre Bio poised for a successful future with a strong financial and science foundation.

“On behalf of myself and the board, we’d like to express our sincere appreciation for Jack’s achievements as CEO of Ochre Bio.”