Chris Hollowood

Chris is the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Syncona Investment Management Ltd.

He brings over 20 years of life science investment experience and has been with Syncona since it was launched in 2012. In addition to leading the organisation, Chris focuses on Syncona's investment strategy and the active management of the portfolio. He has led the development of Syncona's overall investment philosophy, alongside being directly responsible for its gene therapy strategy, founding companies developing therapies for ocular, hepatic, renal and central nervous system disorders. 

He is a Board member of Spur, Beacon, Yellowstone and Purespring. He was previously Chairman of retinal gene therapy companies Nightstar, which was sold to Biogen in 2019 for $877 million, and Gyroscope, which was sold to Novartis for $800 million in 2022.

Earlier in his career, Chris was a partner at Apposite Capital LLP and held roles with Bioscience Managers Ltd, Neptune Investment Management Ltd and in the pharmaceutical industry. Chris holds a degree in Natural Sciences and a PhD in Organic Chemistry, both from the University of Cambridge.

Syncona portfolio companies

• Spur Therapeutics (Board member)
• Beacon Therapeutics (Board member)
• Yellowstone Biosciences (Board member)
• Purespring Therapeutics (Board member)