Optibrium, a developer of software for drug discovery, has appointed Professor Andy Black as non-executive chair of its board of directors.

Black has more than 20 years’ industry experience, including chairman roles at Synetic Life Sciences, a life science industry-focused consultancy with expertise in the research, development and commercialisation of products, and Sygnature Discovery, an independent provider of integrated drug discovery resource and expertise. As professor of practice at King’s College London, Black teaches entrepreneurship and supports the university and King’s Health Partners with commercial partnerships.

Black also co-founded and became chief executive of Kinapse, an international business providing expert advisory and implementation services to life science industries.

Dr Matthew Segall, co-founder and chief executive of Optibrium, said: “We are delighted to be working with Andy, benefitting from his experience to guide Optibrium and continue our strong growth. His deep industry understanding, combined with having chaired private equity-backed companies through rapid expansion, makes him invaluable as a sounding board to guide our strategy and continued success.”

Black added: “Computational drug discovery solutions are a critical component for the success of drug discovery. I am convinced by Optibrium’s products, with a rounded portfolio that includes groundbreaking AI-based next-generation solutions. I am excited to be working with this driven and exceptional team and continue to help our customers transform drug discovery.”

Optibrium recently received investment from Kester Capital.