Voyager Therapeutics appoints Matthew Ottmer as chief operating officer

Gene therapy focused group Voyager Therapeutics has appointed Matthew Ottmer as its new chief operating officer.

Ottmer has 18 years’ experience in biotechnology, including leadership of business operations, product development, and commercialisation across multiple therapeutic areas.

He said: “I am thrilled to join Voyager at this important time during the company’s evolution.

“Developing and implementing the initial commercial strategy and planning for VY-AADC for Parkinson’s disease is a top priority, especially as we approach the start of the pivotal programme, and I look forward to helping advance our exciting pipeline programmes as well.”

He joins Voyager most recently from Momenta Pharmaceuticals, where he was chief operating officer, responsible for programme and alliance management, research, clinical development, pharmaceutical sciences and commercial activities since late 2015.

Prior to Momenta, Ottmer spent 16 years at Biogen in a variety of leadership roles including senior vice president, strategy and emerging businesses, head of Tysabri business, chief of staff to the chief executive officer and president of Syntonix Pharmaceuticals - a wholly owned subsidiary of Biogen, now Bioverativ - and vice president of global operations.

Steven Paul, president and chief executive officer at Voyager, said: “AS Voyager’s business continues to expand, the fast pace and complexity of our expansion requires additional strong, cross-functional leadership that Matt has demonstrated throughout his career.

“In addition to leading strategy, programme and alliance management, Matt will oversee the commercial development plans of our lead and pipeline programmes.

“We are very excited to welcome Matt to our talented executive leadership team.”