Tomlinson oversaw growing momentum at the Wake Forest Innovation Quarter and was instrumental in establishing the $15m Catalyst Fund.
Eric Tomlinson (pictured) is to vacate his position as chief innovation officer (CIO) and president of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center’s innovation centre on March 1.
Wake Forest Baptist has not announced a successor, but confirmed that Tomlinson would work with his colleagues over the coming months to ensure an orderly transition.
Tomlinson joined Wake Forest Baptist in 2012 after spending nine years as chief executive and president of transdermal therapeutics developer Altea Therapeutics. He had previously been at the helm of pharmaceutical developer GeneMedicine from 1992 to 1999.
His time as Wake Forest’s CIO coincided with the realisation of grand-scale plans that converted a former tobacco trade district into the 337-acre Wake Forest Innovation Quarter for research, business and education.
The quarter, which includes the $100m Wake Forest Biotech Place research space opened in 2012, is now home to 152 companies.
During Tomlinson’s tenure, Wake Forest generated 19 spinouts, concluded more than 50 licensing and option agreements and was granted more than 400 patents.
His achievements also include the creation of Wake Forest’s $15m Catalyst Fund, which aims to accelerate early-stage research from the medical centre.
Tomlinson has also been credited with guiding the conclusion of approximately 150 industry research contracts by leveraging Wake Forest’s preclinical and clinical testing facilities.
Julie Freischlag, chief executive of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, said: “I want to thank and congratulate Eric for all he and his team have accomplished over the past six years. We wish him the best in his future endeavours.”
– Image courtesy of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center