Wednesday May 29, 2024
The Board of Directors of BIOTECanada announced today Andrew Casey, President and CEO of BIOTECanada, has informed the Board he will step down from his post effective December 31, 2024. Casey has been CEO of the organization since 2012 and has led the organization through considerable growth, public policy development, and a global pandemic. Both BIOTECanada and Casey are widely recognized for their pragmatic, collaborative, and relentless leadership though the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis.
“I am extremely proud of the work our members and the BIOTECanada team have done over the past twelve years. This work has helped grow Canada’s biotech ecosystem and brought remarkable innovation to Canadian patients as well as those around the world. Given the progress, this seems like the ideal time to pass the baton to a new leader to carry on the Association’s important work. It has been an incredible honour and joy to have been the voice of and represent this special sector for over a decade,” said Andrew Casey. “With extraordinary scientific innovation, a global pandemic, and numerous policy shifts, the past twelve years have been a fascinating case study of policy challenges and meaningful advocacy. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve with a strong and engaged membership, a supportive and active Board, and a phenomenal team” Casey added.
“The Board and members of BIOTECanada are deeply grateful to Andrew for his leadership, commitment, and creativity in driving the organization through a fascinating and formulative period. BIOTECanada is widely recognized today as an effective advocate for the life sciences, a collaborative partner with government, and a voice for patients and families” said Gordon McCauley, Chair of the BIOTECanada Board of Directors.
As the organization identifies and transitions to new leadership, BIOTECanada will continue to play a leadership role in working with government to create the regulatory and investment environment to drive the creation and scaling of Canadian biotech companies. In this context, there remains important work to be completed this year including the upcoming BIO meeting in San Diego, and the BIONATION conference (September 24 and 25) in Ottawa. At this important moment for the BIOTECanada membership, new leadership will bring new thinking and energy to maintaining the industry’s post-pandemic momentum and continue BIOTECanada’s ongoing work to establish a modern regulatory system and attract the investment and talent required to establish a globally competitive biotech ecosystem which can drive the creation and scaling up of companies to ultimately create Canadian biotech anchor companies.
The Board will announce a search process for a new President & CEO. Following his departure at year’s end, Andrew will continue in an advisory capacity to support the organization’s transition and new President.