Broken String hands Becker key commercialisation role
He is tasked with guiding the expansion of the company’s commercial operations and implementing a robust go-to-market strategy for its Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)-based DNA break-mapping platform, INDUCE-seq®. The company, based at the Wellcome Genome Campus, is seeking to further strengthen its position across key markets.
Following close of a $15 million Series A round in 2023, Broken String has been focused on delivering an ambitious expansion strategy and revenue growth, including several high-profile leadership appointments.
Becker will direct the commercialisation strategy for the INDUCE-seq platform to ensure it meets the unique needs of the emerging cell and gene therapy market, including development of a scalable ‘Platform as a Service’ offering and extension of the technology’s capabilities beyond gene-editing.
He will lead the global sales and marketing teams, business development function, and technical support operations, including building the company’s US commercial operations to nurture its growing network of customers and commercial partners.
Becker has over 30 years’ experience managing diverse teams to develop scalable market development strategies, across startups and multi-national organisations.
He has successfully launched numerous clinical molecular diagnostics assays and spearheaded strategic growth initiatives for premier life science tools companies.
He joins from Thermo Fisher Scientific, where he led the licensing and commercial supply channel for the Genetic Sciences and Clinical Oncology NGS divisions, responsible for building commercial partnerships and managing large contract deals to expand the company’s global customer base.
Prior to this, he held executive level positions at Quest Diagnostics, Athena Diagnostics, Inc. and RainDance Technologies, as well as leadership roles at Agilent Technologies and GE Healthcare.
Becker said: “What attracted me to Broken String was its game-changing technology and talented team of dedicated pioneers changing the way we look at cell and gene therapy development.
“The company is at the forefront of the field, supporting developers to ensure these transformative treatments can become a safe reality for patients.
“I’m keen to hit the ground running as part of the leadership team, to build robust partnerships and create an exceptional customer experience. I’m excited about the role we will play in accelerating broad accessibility of cell and gene therapies that will profoundly impact human health.”
Broken String CEO Felix Dobbs said: “We’re delighted that Steve is joining us to lead the Company’s commercial activities based out of Boston MA. As we enter our next stage of commercial growth and focus on establishing broad adoption of the INDUCE-seq platform, Steve’s support will be pivotal in executing the successful launch of our commercial offering, as well as establishing strong partnerships with leading academic and industry players in the genomics and cell & gene therapy markets.”