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Drug discovery and development business Concept Life Sciences has appointed Dr Adrijana Vinter as its new chief executive, with the company operating specialist sites in Edinburgh and Dundee.
Headquartered in Chapel-en-le-Frith, the contract research organisation (CRO) provides integrated drug discovery, development and analytical services to the global life sciences industry.
Dr Vinter brings more than 20 years of experience in pharmaceutical research, commercial development and executive leadership.
She joins from drug discovery business Selvita, where she served as global head of drug discovery and sat on the management board. The company generates approximately €50 million in revenue and employs more than 400 people across Europe and the United States.
Her previous senior roles include work at Fidelta, where she helped build its international client base and supported its acquisition by Selvita in 2021.
Dr Vinter began her scientific career in medicinal chemistry roles at PLIVA, GlaxoSmithKline and Galapagos. She holds a PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Zagreb and an MBA from Cotrugli Business School in Croatia.
She succeeds interim chief executive Jonathan Critchley, who will remain with the business as chief financial officer.
Concept Life Sciences has more than 25 years of experience supporting drug discovery and development programmes, from early research through to clinical development, across a range of therapeutic areas and treatment types.
Alongside its Edinburgh and Dundee operations, the company also has a site in Sandwich. In 2026, it won the SCI-RSC National Retrosynthesis Competition.
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Dr Ian Waddell, chairman of Concept Life Sciences, said:"I am delighted to welcome Adrijana as Chief Executive Officer.
"She brings a powerful combination of scientific and commercial expertise and proven experience in growing and leading a drug discovery business.
"Her extensive network, understanding of our clients’ needs and ability to bring together multidisciplinary teams will be invaluable as we build on our integrated capabilities and develop our international partnerships.
"I would also like to thank Jonathan Critchley for his leadership as Interim Chief Executive Officer.
"Jonathan will continue as Chief Financial Officer, providing valuable continuity in supporting the company’s next phase of growth."
Dr Adrijana Vinter, chief executive of Concept Life Sciences, said: "Concept Life Sciences combines deep scientific expertise with a collaborative approach to addressing its clients’ drug discovery and clinical development challenges.
"The company has demonstrated excellence in chemistry and scale-up as well as significant capabilities and potential in biology and translational science.
"I am looking forward to working with the team to build on these strengths and further develop our integrated offering."