Cambridge, UK 2/20/18—Dr. Darrin M. Disley, CEO of Horizon Discovery, which provides gene editing and gene modulation technologies, has resigned from his position, citing his desire to pursue other business opportunities. “I would like to express my sincere appreciation for Darrin’s achievements as CEO since he joined in 2007 when Horizon was a start-up company through to now being a global leader in gene editing and gene modulation,” said Dr. Ian Gilham, Chairman of Horizon Discovery’s Board. “During his tenure, he has built a world-class management team, set a highly successful commercial and business strategy, led the Company through several financing rounds, including the Company’s successful IPO in 2014, and driven multiple acquisitions, including the Company’s recent transformational deal with Dharmacon.” Dr. Gilham will act as executive chairman and CFO Richard Vellacott will serve as Deputy CEO. 

Dr. Disley served as CEO for 11 years. The company’s Capital Markets Day, a presentation for investors, had been scheduled for the same day as the resignation was announced. It has now been rescheduled for March 5. Horizon Discovery’s shares fell 3.4% the day of the news but rose 5.9% the following day.