Initially trained as a physical and colloid chemist, John led the Biopharmaceutical Strategy Team that motivated AstraZeneca ‘s (AZ) aggressive drive into biological drugs including the acquisition of both Cambridge Antibody Technology (CAT) and MedImmune.

John is an honorary professor at the University of Manchester and a member of the North West Science Council. He has recently been appointed to the Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council and was previously a member of the Royal Society Working Party on Pharmacogenetics.