Life Science Hub Wales has named Dr Ian Barwick as chief operating officer.
The organisation, which aims to make Wales a leading destination for life sciences companies, said that Dr Barwick will be the face of life sciences in Wales.
Dr Barwick joins from University College Dublin where his responsibilities included securing new business and research in the biomedical and bio-molecular field.
Economy minister for Wales Edwina Hart welcomed Dr Barwick’s appointment, saying he will “play a key role in establishing a thriving ecosystem for the sector in Wales”.
Life Science Hub Wales also named its board, including executive chair Prof Chris McGuigan of Cardiff University.
Prof McGuigan said: “With the £100m Life Sciences Fund, the opening in July of the Life Sciences Hub Wales, and the Life Science Research Network there has never been a better time to do Life Sciences Research in Wales.
“The commitment of the Welsh Government and Ministers has been tremendous, and I am hugely heartened by the strength and depth of the Executive and Board that we have been able to assemble.”