CAMBRIDGE, England–The Automation Partnership (TAP), a world leader in the design and development of innovative automation for life science applications, today announced the appointment of Phillip Sefton as its new Commercial Director. Phillip’s vast experience in sales and marketing, together with his outstanding management skills, will complement TAP’s strengths, enabling him to take TAP to a new stage of commercial development.

Phillip joins TAP following an extensive career in sales and marketing for life sciences and diagnostic market sectors. For the past 12 years, Phillip was VP Commercial Operations at QIAGEN where he was responsible for sales and market development in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa and Latin America. During this time, Phillip grew QIAGEN’s business significantly.

Prior to this, Phillip spent eight years with Boehringer Mannheim (now part of Roche Diagnostics), where he successfully increased sales from the Biochemical Business Unit beyond market expectations and led the Laboratory Diagnostics Business Division through a significant period of restructuring and change. Phillip’s business skills are underpinned by a degree in applied biology and biochemistry and five years research in cell and molecular biology at Beecham Pharmaceuticals (now GlaxoSmithKline).

Commenting on his appointment, Phillip Sefton said: “TAP is making the transition to providing a more rounded portfolio of automated cell culture products, and developing novel automation for bioprocess, so it’s a company with a great future. The sales and marketing team at TAP is experienced and knowledgeable, and I’m excited to be working with them to implement strategies for developing TAP’s business, to ensure TAP’s products continue to benefit all major pharma and biotech companies, as well as leading academic centres for many years to come.”

David Newble, TAP CEO added: “Philip is well-respected in the industry, and we are delighted to welcome him to TAP’s senior management team. Phillip’s proven track record in obtaining results through developing strong sales and marketing teams within life science and diagnostics organisations will help TAP to achieve its growth plans and maintain its position as a leading supplier of automation systems to the life sciences industry.”