Kate Baillie today retires after more than 12 years in the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Biochemical Society and Managing Director of Portland Press, during which time she has overseen a period of immense change and progress. We thank Kate for her commitment and leadership during her tenure and wish her the very best for her retirement.

Kate has implemented a vast number of changes during her time as CEO and MD, which have included a complete restructure of the organization and the introduction of a systematic strategic planning process.  She has led the way in working practice innovation, including the successful delivery of fully remote and Four Day Week working models.

Kate has been central to the Society’s embedding of equity, diversity and inclusion across all activities, and her crucial changes to the organizations structure and processes have left the Society well-placed to meet the challenges ahead.

Of her time at the Society, Kate said:

“It has been a privilege to lead the Society and Portland Press as CEO and MD over the past 12 and a half years, working with a skilled and committed staff team, Council of Trustees and Portland Press Board of Directors.  I am immensely proud of all that we have achieved together, ensuring the provision of services to our membership and the wider bioscience community, with the Society at the forefront of change and innovation within the sector.”

Professor Richard Reece, Biochemical Society Chair, said:

“During her time as Society CEO Kate has demonstrated strong and empathetic leadership, expertly steering the organization through periods of change and solidifying its ability to innovate and embrace future opportunities. On behalf of my fellow Trustees, I thank Kate for all that she has contributed to the Society and the impressive legacy with which she leaves us. We wish her all the very best for her retirement.

The Biochemical Society’s Senior Management Team shared:

“Kate has been a strong and inspirational leader of the Society for the last 12 and a half years, championing staff development and innovative working practices. As leader of the Senior Management Team, she has embedded a collaborative, high trust culture and we look forward to developing this further in the next period of strategy.”

We had the opportunity to share our thanks with Kate yesterday and celebrate her achievements with colleagues and the community. Thank you to everyone who attended and made it a truly special evening.

As announced earlier this year, Phil Morgan will take over the role of CEO of the Biochemical Society from 2 December 2024.