LifeArc appoints new Chief Investment Officer (CIO)

LifeArc, one of the UK’s leading medical research charities, has appointed Graham Duce to the newly created role of Chief Investment Officer (CIO).

In the role, Graham will be responsible for managing the proceeds from LifeArc’s recent monetisation of its royalty interest in Keytruda® (pembrolizumab), ensuring the charity generates the returns to support its ability to translate early medical research for the benefit of patients.

Melanie Lee, CEO, LifeArc said: “The past 12 months have been transformational for LifeArc, in terms of our ability to support and promote the translation of promising research into new health interventions. The new role of CIO will ensure that we have a sustainable approach to income generation.”

Prior to joining LifeArc, Graham was Global Head of Distribution Solutions at Aberdeen Standard Investments, having first started with the company as portfolio manager and progressing to become the holder of a successful career in multi-asset investments with a proven track record in both retail and institutional funds.

Speaking about his new role, Graham Duce said: “I am thrilled to be joining LifeArc and managing the funds that will ultimately contribute to growth in scientific knowledge and improvements in people’s health.”

Graham will work alongside David Zahn, who was appointed last year as Board trustee and Chair of the Investment Management Committee.