CEO of Oxford University Innovation steps down with new interim appointed

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Daniel Face

Dr Matt Perkins (left) will step down as CEO. Dr Mairi Gibbs (right) has been named interim CEO.

Dr Matt Perkins has announced plans to step down from his seven-year post as chief executive of Oxford University Innovation (OUI), with Dr Mairi Gibbs stepping in as interim CEO.

Under Matt’s leadership, OUI has evolved to become a leading university Technology Transfer Office (TTO).

The organisation continues to hold the top spot in the UK for the highest number of university spinout companies created and the highest ranked university patent applicant across Europe.

It has now facilitated the creation of more than creating 300 companies based on research and ideas from students, staff and alumni at the University of Oxford.

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Matt also oversaw the IPO of successful spinout Oxford Nanopore Technologies, which raised £350 million in 2021, and helped OUI secure multiple high-profile licence deals, including the Oxford-AZ Covid-19 vaccine and R21 / Matrix-M malaria vaccine.

He now gives way to Mairi, previously COO of OUI, who brings to the interim role a wealth of experience in research commercialisation.

She’ll work alongside OUI’s board and senior leadership team while they look to recruit a permanent chief executive.

Executive chair Baroness Nicola Blackwood said: “I want to thank Matt for his dedicated leadership at OUI over the past seven years – a particularly pivotal period for both OUI and the broader research commercialisation sector.

“Matt has led OUI with a laser focus on delivering impact and growing the university’s innovation portfolio of companies, licences and consulting services.

“He leaves OUI as a more confident, higher performing and more resilient organisation.

“Mairi is well placed to take up the position of interim CEO, bringing great experience and passion for the organisation, and I look forward to working alongside her over the coming weeks and months.”

Matt will leave his post OUI on 5th April to continue with his non-executive director roles and charity work. Mairi takes his place effective from 8th April.

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Daniel Face

Born and raised in Berkshire, Dan fell into journalism after completing his bachelor’s degree in English at UCL. Writing for The Business Magazine and local Biz News sites has given him the opportunity to chat with all manner of small business owners and share their success stories with a wider audience. Outside of work, Dan enjoys live music, board games and quiz shows, and is making a slow but persistent effort to learn Spanish.