4basebio Promotes COO Amy Walker to CEO as Founder Lanckriet Steps Down

CFO David Roth will also depart the company to join Lanckriet's new entity focused on the Hermes nanoparticle platform.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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4basebio PLC, a Cambridge, England-based life sciences firm, has promoted Chief Operating Officer Amy Walker to the role of Chief Executive Officer. The company's founder, Heikki Lanckriet, has stepped down from the CEO position after six years to lead a newly formed entity that will focus on advancing the Hermes nanoparticle platform into clinical trials. Chief Financial Officer David Roth will also be leaving 4basebio to join Lanckriet's new venture, after an orderly transition period.

Why it matters

The leadership changes at 4basebio come as the company looks to accelerate its commercial delivery, having recently achieved GMP certification for its facility. Walker's promotion to CEO is seen as a move to capitalize on her extensive commercial, scientific, and technical expertise, which has helped build out the company's GMP infrastructure to position it for growth in the dynamic life sciences market.

The details

4basebio said it has "top tier pharma clients in the clinic" and a strong and growing pipeline. Executive Chair Manja Boerman expressed confidence in Walker's ability to lead the company through this critical next phase of development, while also noting that Lanckriet will remain on the board and continue to support the company's scientific and technical leadership.

  • On Tuesday, 4basebio PLC announced the leadership changes.
  • Heikki Lanckriet has stepped down as CEO after six years in the role.
  • David Roth will be departing 4basebio after an "orderly handover period".

The players

Amy Walker

The new Chief Executive Officer of 4basebio PLC, promoted from her previous role as Chief Operating Officer.

Heikki Lanckriet

The founder of 4basebio PLC, who has stepped down as CEO to lead a newly formed entity focused on advancing the Hermes nanoparticle platform.

David Roth

The outgoing Chief Financial Officer of 4basebio PLC, who will be joining Lanckriet's new venture.

Manja Boerman

The Executive Chair of 4basebio PLC, who expressed confidence in Amy Walker's ability to lead the company through its next phase of development.

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What they’re saying

“With [good manufacturing practice] certification for its facility, the company is now accelerating its focus on commercial delivery. Amy has invaluable commercial, scientific and technical expertise and has spearheaded building out the GMP infrastructure to enable 4basebio to lead this dynamic market.”

— Manja Boerman, Executive Chair (marketscreener.com)

“I'm delighted that she will lead the company through this critical next phase of development and I look forward to leveraging my extensive [contract development and manufacturing organisation] experience in helping drive the business forward.”

— Manja Boerman, Executive Chair (marketscreener.com)

What’s next

Heikki Lanckriet will remain on the 4basebio board and continue to support the company's scientific and technical leadership, while also leading the newly formed entity focused on the Hermes nanoparticle platform.

The takeaway

The leadership changes at 4basebio reflect the company's focus on accelerating its commercial delivery and capitalizing on its recent GMP certification. The promotion of Amy Walker to CEO, coupled with the departures of founder Heikki Lanckriet and CFO David Roth, signals a strategic shift towards driving growth and solidifying 4basebio's position in the dynamic life sciences market.