Oglesby replaces departing Lawlor as Bruntwood SciTech CEO 

Kate Lawlor has left the consortium after three years as chief executive, with executive chair Chris Oglesby taking the reins. 

Lawlor, who was also chief financial officer, has left to find a “new challenge” according to a Bruntwood SciTech statement. Kevin Crotty will take over the top finance role. 

Lawlor’s departure after a total of 11 years with Bruntwood follows that of Peter Crowther in November – who spent more than 25 years with the firm – and Bruntwood SciTech’s recent £500m equity raise. 

Chris Oglesby, chief executive of Bruntwood SciTech, said: “I want to take this opportunity to thank Kate for all she’s done for the business. 

“I am particularly grateful to Kate for her instrumental role in leading Bruntwood SciTech over the past five years, as CFO initially and then joint CEO and CFO, and culminating in her outstanding contribution to bring a third investor and new partner into the company.”  

He added: “Her passion, perseverance and dedication to succeed over the past 12 years, since she initially joined as head of taxation and treasury for Bruntwood, have allowed both Bruntwood and Bruntwood SciTech to become the successful businesses that they are. She leaves with our gratitude and the very best wishes from me, the business, and her colleagues.” 

Oglesby told Place North West in an exclusive interview following the equity raise that he has no intention of slowing down.

Looking to the future he said: “As we enter into the next phase of Bruntwood SciTech’s growth we continue to set ourselves ambitious targets. By 2032, we plan to create a £5bn UK-wide portfolio that can support 2,600 high-growth companies spanning life sciences, technology, and broader innovation, and I am confident that the strength of the people we have within the business will get us there.”