John Sillitoe

John joined Niab as COO in February 2026. He is a senior leader known for turning scientifically ambitious ideas into reliable, scalable operational reality. With more than 35 years of experience across manufacturing, defence, health, research and large‑scale service environments, he has built and transformed complex organisations so that world‑class science, technology and data translate into measurable impact.

Originally trained as an engineer, John brings a systems‑thinking perspective to strategy, business design and operations. He has led multi‑site and international teams, inspiring new ways of working and creating environments where technical excellence, operational rigour and strong team engagement reinforce one another. His work consistently focuses on building robust operating models and delivery platforms that are trusted by partners, funders, customers and staff.

As Director of the Genomic Surveillance Unit at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, John established and led one of the world’s most significant applied genomics operations. During the COVID‑19 pandemic, he oversaw the creation and delivery of the UK’s national genomic surveillance capability at unprecedented speed and scale. This effort brought together research, industry, public sector and international partners into a single high‑performance system that shaped national and global decision‑making during a time of exceptional pressure.

A people‑centred leader with a strong coaching ethos, John develops leadership depth, nurtures emerging talent and builds cultures of accountability and collaboration. He is skilled at aligning technology, people, research and commercial sustainability, and thrives on leading teams through complex change. John is motivated by turning ambitious ideas into practical outcomes and is energised by opportunities that demand clarity, pace and impact at scale.