Fiona Smith-Laittan, Vice President of Global Health Strategy and Partnerships at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), has been appointed Chair of Cambridge Global Health Partnerships (CGHP).

Fiona, who has led GSK’s Global Health Strategy and Partnerships team since 2019, said: “CGHP’s purpose, strategy and activity is aligned to what I care about most, in an area where I bring significant experience, insights and a strong network.

“The global health funding landscape is facing significant challenges, with the multiplicative effects of poverty, conflict and climate change, exacerbated by fractured geopolitics and limited global resources. I am passionate about the need for ambitious cross-functional partnerships to drive sustainable impact in global health, which is fundamental to what CGHP stands for,” she added.

At GSK, Fiona’s focus is on positively impacting the health of people in lower-income countries through research, access and strengthened health systems. She has established the organisation’s 5-10-year Global Health strategy, prioritised investment of up to £100m a year on TB, malaria and antimicrobial resistance, and is managing significant long-term programmes with leading global health institutions.

A proud graduate of the University of Cambridge (Natural Sciences – Neuroscience, Emmanuel College), Fiona is passionate about the role of science and scientists in driving societal change, and the important contribution of academic excellence and international development to the UK’s position on the world stage.

Matthew Hird has joined AJ100 practice TODD Architects as the new Head of Healthcare where he will be responsible for leading the practice’s healthcare strategy across the UK and Ireland, delivering a growing portfolio of transformational healthcare projects.

With over 25 years’ experience in healthcare design and delivery, Matthew has worked on some highly prestigious and award-winning projects, including Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and Clatterbridge Cancer Hospital in Liverpool, and The Paterson Laboratory Building at The Christie in Manchester.

As a leading expert in the field of healthcare design, Matthew’s specialist knowledge equips him to ensure design quality and functionality, whilst maximising efficiencies on costs by working together with clients, consultants and contractors.

With a passion for promoting quality healthcare design and delivery, Matthew actively engages in various bodies outside of TODD Architects, including Architects for Health, where he is a co-opted executive board member.

Matthew said: “I am delighted to have been appointed by TODD Architects. As an established architectural practice, TODD have a wealth of inspirational healthcare designs. My goal is to build on that and continue to deliver exceptional healthcare projects for our clients.”

Andrew Murray, Director at TODD Architects, commented: “Matthew joining our team is another positive step for the practice, strengthening our offer to clients across all aspects of healthcare design.His wealth of experience will no doubt build on the reputation we have established in recent years within the sector.”

Asgard Therapeutics, a privately held biotech company pioneering in vivo direct cell reprogramming for cancer immunotherapy, has announced the appointment of experienced immunology drug development specialist Shane Olwill as Chief Development Officer (CDO).

Shane, who joins Asgard from Pieris Pharmaceuticals, now merged with NASDAQ-listed Palvella Therapeutics, will lead IND-enabling studies and clinical trials planning for Asgard’s lead asset AT-108.

During his thirteen years at Pieris, Shane played a pivotal role developing its diverse pipeline of clinical programmes in immuno-oncology and respiratory diseases – progressing nine programmes into the clinic.  Prior to that he was Director of Research at AIM-listed Fusion Antibodies, building out its research team and establishing its technology platform.

Cristiana Pires, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Asgard Therapeutics, said: “Shane’s skill set, derived from his extensive experience of pipeline development, particularly in immuno-oncology, is highly complementary to the other members of our team and will be of great benefit as we move forwards.”

Shane enthused: “Asgard’s in vivo cell reprogramming technology, based on the deep research and understanding of its founders, is a potentially transformative new form of cancer immunotherapy that is not only powerful but also indication-agnostic.

“I’m delighted to be joining the company, whose science is backed by very strong data and whose team is supported by high calibre investors. I look forward to working to progress AT-108 towards the clinic and maximising the potential of Asgard’s wider platform.”