Board Appointments
Genedrive plc announced the appointment of Mark Winkler and Mike Fairbourn as independent Non-Executive Directors, effective September 1, 2026, to bolster the company's financial, strategic, healthcare, and commercial expertise as it focuses on scaling its pharmacogenetic tests in the UK and expanding internationally. Winkler, with extensive financial and strategic experience, will chair the Audit and Remuneration Committees, while Fairbourn brings over three decades of commercial and leadership experience in the pharmaceutical and medical technology sectors. These appointments coincide with the departure of Non-Executive Director Chris Yates, who has served since 2018.
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genedrive plc (AIM: GDR), the point of care pharmacogenetic testing company, today announces that Mr Mark Winkler and Mr Mike Fairbourn have agreed to join the Board as independent Non-Executive Directors with effect from 1 September 2026.
The appointments strengthen the Board's financial, strategic, healthcare and commercial expertise as genedrive enters its next phase of growth, focused on scaling adoption of its pharmacogenetic tests in the UK and expanding its international business.
Mark brings extensive financial, strategic and corporate finance experience, advising growth companies, multinational businesses and investors on strategy, finance, governance and growth capital. He is the founder and CEO of Red Earth Advisors and previously held senior roles at Stonehage Fleming and Deloitte where he qualified as an ACA.
Mike brings more than three decades of commercial and leadership experience across the pharmaceutical and medical technology sectors. He spent almost 20 years at global medical technology company Becton Dickinson, including as Vice President and General Manager for the UK and Ireland, and served for ten years on the Board of the Association of British HealthTech Industries ("ABHI"), the UK's leading industry association for health technology, including products such as single use devices, diagnostics and digitally enhanced technologies.
It is proposed that Mark Winkler will chair the Company's Audit and Remuneration Committees.
As previously communicated, Chris Yates, who has served on the Board since 2018, has today stepped down as a Non-Executive Director in order to focus on his other professional commitments.
Mr Graham Cole CBE, Chairman of genedrive plc, said: "Mark and Mike bring highly complementary experience and skills to the Board at an important stage for genedrive as we build on the progress already made and look to further scale the business. Their experience will be invaluable as we focus on broadening adoption of our pharmacogenetic tests, strengthening commercial execution and delivering sustainable growth and value for shareholders.
"On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Chris for his commitment and significant contribution to genedrive over the past eight years, and for his support during this period of Board transition. We wish him continued success in the future."
Mr Mark Winkler, Non-Executive Director of genedrive plc, said: "genedrive has built a strong foundation and I look forward to working with Graham, Gino and the wider Board, bringing my financial, strategic and governance experience to support disciplined growth and the Company's ambitions as it scales."
Mr Mike Fairbourn, Non-Executive Director of genedrive plc, said: "genedrive has developed innovative pharmacogenetic tests addressing important clinical needs. Having spent much of my career working at the interface between healthcare innovation and clinical practice, I am particularly excited by the opportunity to help broaden adoption and embed these technologies into healthcare pathways in the UK and internationally."
Additional Information on Mark Winkler
The following additional information is provided with regard to the appointment of Mark Alan Winkler, aged 49, in accordance with Rule 17 and Schedule 2(g) of the AIM Rules for Companies:
| Current relevant directorships/partnerships: | Former relevant directorships/partnerships (within the last five years): |
| Concise Media Consulting Limited | Liquidity Media Midco Limited |
Liquidity Media Limited
Red Earth Advisors Limited
4 Sumatra Road Limited
Mark Winkler does not hold any ordinary shares in the Company.
Additional Information on Mike Fairbourn
The following additional information is provided with regard to the appointment of Michael John Fairbourn, aged 67, in accordance with Rule 17 and Schedule 2(g) of the AIM Rules for Companies:
| Current relevant directorships/partnerships: | Former relevant directorships/partnerships (within the last five years): |
| Deko MedTech Oy | Association of British Healthtech Industries Limited |
| Fairbourn Consulting Limited | Becton Dickinson Holdings Designated Activity Company |
Becton, Dickinson U.K. Limited
Mike Fairbourn does not hold any ordinary shares in the Company.
| genedrive plc | +44 (0)161 989 0245 |
| Gino Miele: CEO / Russ Shaw: CFO | https://investors.genedrive.com/s/e0025c |
| Peel Hunt LLP (Nominated Adviser and Broker) | +44 (0)20 7418 8900 |
| James Steel | |
| 5654 & Company (Media & Investor Relations) | genedrive@5654.co.uk |
| Matthew Neal | +44 (0)7917 800 011 |
| Melissa Gardiner | +44 (0)7757 697357 |
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About genedrive plc (http://www.genedrive.com).
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