Genomics England has announced the appointment of Chris Wigley as chief executive officer, with effect from 1 October.
Chris joins Genomics England from QuantumBlack, a world leader in machine learning and artificial intelligence. Machine learning is critical in the analysis of the vast amounts of data involved in genomics, so Chris’ expertise in this area will be ‘invaluable’ in driving Genomics England’s pioneering work with the NHS to realise the true potential of genomic medicine.
Chris was a partner at McKinsey from 2009 to 2015. He then focused on growing QuantumBlack, a McKinsey company, as chief operating officer. Prior to this, he worked with the British Foreign Office as a diplomat, and on digital transformation at the BBC.
The chair of Genomics England, Jonathan Symonds, said: “Chris joins us at a significant time for Genomics England as it takes the next steps in using the data entrusted to us by participants to transform healthcare. Chris’ vision and energy will maintain Genomics England’s place as a world leader in genomic medicine. His leadership experience at QuantumBlack will be fundamental to our goal of building a world leading organisation delivering genomic science and analytics into routine medical care with our partners in the NHS and medical research.”
