OUI announces departure of Matt Perkins as CEO and appointment of Mairi Gibbs as interim CEO
20th March 2024
Oxford University Innovation (OUI) today announces Chief Executive Dr Matt Perkins will stand down after seven successful years in post.
Matt will depart OUI on 5th April to continue with his non-Executive Director roles and charity work. Dr Mairi Gibbs, currently Chief Operating Officer at OUI, has been appointed as Interim CEO effective from 8th April.
Under Matt’s leadership, OUI has evolved to become a world class university Technology Transfer Office (TTO), respected across the UK’s innovation ecosystem, the UK government and internationally. Oxford University Innovation retains its UK no. 1 position for the highest number of university spinout companies created and the highest ranked university patent applicant across Europe.
During his time at OUI, Dr Matt Perkins has overseen rapid growth, including reaching the milestone of creating 300 companies based on research and ideas from students, staff and alumni at the University of Oxford. Notable company milestones include Oxford Nanopore’s IPO, which raised £350m in 2021. During Matt’s tenure, OUI secured multiple high profile licence deals such as the Oxford – Astra Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine and the recently WHO pre-qualification approved R21 / Matrix-M malaria vaccine. Over the last seven years, OUI also significantly grew the company’s startup and social ventures portfolio and consulting service operations.
As Interim CEO, Mairi brings with her a wealth of research commercialisation experience, as well as her extensive knowledge built up over two decades at OUI.
Mairi will lead the team to deliver OUI’s ambitious agenda, working with OUI’s board and the senior leadership team.
OUI’s Board continues the process of recruiting for a permanent Chief Executive.
Executive Chair of Oxford University Innovation, Baroness Nicola Blackwood said:
Press release sign up“I want to thank Matt for his dedicated leadership at Oxford University Innovation (OUI) over the past seven years, a particularly pivotal period for both OUI and the broader research commercialisation sector.
“Matt has led Oxford University Innovation 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.”
