Protas welcomes new Chief Finance Officer 

Maggie Payne has joined the Executive Team responsible for the leadership of Protas. 

Protas is delighted to welcome Maggie Payne as Chief Finance Officer (CFO), to play a critical role in overseeing financial operations and strategic financial planning. 

As a Chartered Accountant with senior experience across the life science and pharmaceutical sectors, Maggie brings to Protas a wealth of finance and broader corporate leadership. 

She joins Protas from her role as CFO of the Wellcome Sanger Institute, a world leader in genome research that delivers insights into human, evolutionary and pathogen biology. 

Prior to this, Maggie was Director of Corporate Services at Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, which was focused on advancing the cell and gene therapy industry through collaboration. She has also held positions at Zeneca, Gilead and Provensis. 

Maggie said: “Protas stood out to me as an exciting proposition in an industry that needs change. 

“Finance is a critical enabler in realising the mission of transforming clinical trial practice, for the benefit of patients everywhere. 

“I’m looking forward to bringing my experience and broad understanding of the sector to Protas, and building on the excellent work that’s already been achieved.”

Maggie takes over the position from Richard Eales, who stands down from Protas to focus on his role as Interim Chief Finance Officer at Wellcome.

Prof Sir Martin Landray, Chief Executive Officer of Protas, said: “I am delighted that Maggie is joining us at Protas. The breadth and depth of her experience will be a huge asset as we continue to expand. She will be a key part of our leadership and a senior adviser to myself and the Protas board. 

“Maggie will be focused on helping shape our future growth, ensuring our ongoing financial stability, and leading and developing our Finance Team so that we are in pole position to deliver on our vision of smarter clinical trials for better health. 

“I also thank Richard, who was instrumental in guiding our financial decision-making from the very earliest days of Protas, allowing us to grow into the organisation we are today. From everyone at Protas, we wish him the best as he continues his work as Interim CFO with Wellcome.”