Press release

Wellcome Trust appoints new Director

The Wellcome Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Mark Walport as the new Director of the Trust. Professor Walport succeeds Dr Mike Dexter, who retires from the Trust at the end of March following a five-year term as Director.

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Currently Professor of Medicine and Head of the Division of Medicine at Imperial College London, Professor Walport will take up his position on 1 June.

Commenting on the appointment, Sir Dominic Cadbury, Chairman of the Wellcome Trust, said:

"Mike Dexter has made an invaluable contribution to the Trust over the past five years and the appointment of Mark Walport as his successor ensures that strong and effective leadership of our affairs will be continued.

"As a former Governor, his knowledge of Trust business combined with a proven track-record in science and management makes him the ideal candidate to take on the challenges which face such a large and diverse organization."

Professor Walport said:

"I am absolutely delighted - the Wellcome Trust is a very special organization. Not only does it make huge contributions to biomedical research in the UK and internationally, it also plays an important role in supporting the medical humanities. I am looking forward enormously to leading the Trust during the coming years."