Between 2007 and 2009, Coyle was chief executive of DeepFlex, which raised more than $35m in venture capital.

In this role he looks after early-stage technology scouting and corporate venturing for Schlumberger Worldwide. He also looks after relationships with Intel, Boeing and General Motors.

"I was brought on to make this as significant an undertaking as it could be and that is the way it has played out."

He helped set up the joint venture three years ago.

In his present role as vice-president of corporate business development at Eli Lilly, he oversees acquisitions, private equity deals, partnering and corporate venturing.