Touchlight CEO Karen Fallen Stepping Down, Will Downie Appointed as Interim

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Touchlight announced that Karen Fallen, its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the last six years, is stepping down. Fallen will be succeeded on an interim basis by Will Downie.

No information was given on the expected length of Downie’s interim status.

About Touchlight

Touchlight is a CDMO specializing in enzymatic good manufacturing practice (GMP) DNA production. It provides customers with a range of cell-free DNA technologies for genetic medicines, manufactured using the company’s proprietary dbDNA technology.

Under Fallen’s leadership, Touchlight achieved approval of the world’s first GMP license for its synthetic DNA facility in London.

New CEO Background

Downie is no stranger to Touchlight, having served as a Board Member and adviser since January 2025. He brings more than 30 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries. This includes two previous CEO tenures, most recently at Argenta and before that at Vectura Group.

Earlier in Downie’s career, he was Chief Commercial Officer at Catalent for a decade. He has also held senior commercial and leadership roles with GE Healthcare, Sanofi, and Merck.

Quotes from Leadership

Downie said the familiarity gained with Touchlight over the last 18 months makes him “delighted” to join as interim CEO.

“Touchlight has outstanding science, technology and expertise,” Downie said. “I am looking forward to working closely with the team as we partner with our clients to solve complex challenges.”

“I am very pleased to welcome Will Downie as Touchlight’s interim CEO,” Touchlight Executive Chair and Founder Jonny Ohlson said. “He brings a wealth of CDMO experience to the company. [This] will help us grow and deliver on our promise of bringing new cell and gene therapy products to market.”