CPI appoints Greig Rooney as Chief Executive

CPI appoints Greig Rooney as Chief Executive

CPI has appointed Greig Rooney as its next Chief Executive. He takes up the role on 1 December 2026, succeeding Frank Millar, and will work alongside Frank over the coming months. 

Greig joined CPI's Executive Leadership Team in January 2026 as Managing Director for Pharma and HealthTech. He brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across pharmaceuticals, vaccines and biopharmaceutical manufacturing, with a career spanning the UK, Europe and the United States. 

Before joining CPI, Greig was Managing Director of Valneva Scotland, where he led major national and international initiatives and built high-performing teams in a highly regulated manufacturing environment. His wider career has spanned organisational transformation, manufacturing and operations, safety and quality, and commercial growth. 

Alongside his role at CPI, Greig is a member of the Board of Scottish Enterprise. 

In appointing Greig, CPI’s Board of Directors looked for a leader who could combine commercial experience with strong external relationships and strategic partnership building. As CPI enters its next phase, those qualities will be increasingly important alongside the organisation's established technical capabilities and expertise. 

Greig takes up the role at an important moment for CPI and for UK innovation more widely. As a founding member of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, CPI plays an important role in helping turn the UK’s scientific and technological strengths into industrial capability, business growth and real-world impact.  

Commenting on his appointment, Greig Rooney said:  

“It is a real privilege to be asked to lead CPI. Since joining earlier this year I have had the opportunity to work with colleagues across the organisation and with many of our customers and partners. It has reinforced for me just how important CPI is, not simply because of the technologies we work on or our ability to help develop and scale them, but because of what that work ultimately enables. 

“Our work contributes to some of the biggest challenges facing the UK: strengthening national resilience and industrial capability, improving health outcomes, and helping industry develop cleaner, more efficient and more sustainable ways to manufacture for the future. 

“CPI is already delivering nationally significant work across these areas, backed by exceptional people, capabilities and partnerships. Working closely with customers and partners is central to how CPI delivers that impact, and I am excited about building on that momentum and the contribution CPI can make in the years ahead.” 

Frank Millar, Chief Executive of CPI, said:  

“The timing is right for CPI to make this transition to new leadership. We are at an important point in our own development, and the environment around us across industry, government and investment is changing quickly. 

“Greig brings energy and experience, and he already understands what makes CPI what it is. Our people, our values and our ability to work alongside ambitious organisations have been at the heart of CPI throughout its history, and those are strong foundations to build on. 

“I am proud of what our people have achieved for businesses and communities across the UK, the partnerships we have built, and the increasingly important role CPI plays in the wider UK innovation ecosystem. 

“My focus over the coming months will be on working closely with Greig and ensuring we complete the strongest possible handover.” 

Frank joined CPI in March 2015 and has led the organisation as Chief Executive since 2020. From 1 December, he will move into an advisory capacity to support Greig and the transition through to the end of 2026, after which he intends to pursue advisory and non-executive opportunities. 

Jennie Younger, Chair of the CPI Board, said: 

 “Greig is an outstanding leader and the Board is confident he is the right person for CPI's next phase. He combines significant industrial and commercial experience with a proven ability to transform organisations, build strong teams and create influential external partnerships. 

“Since joining CPI he has developed a good understanding of the organisation, our people and our partners, while bringing fresh perspective and genuine ambition for what lies ahead. The energy he brings and his commitment to CPI’s purpose stand out. 

“I would also like to thank Frank for his exceptional contribution to CPI. Under his leadership the organisation has grown in reach, capability and influence, and Greig takes on the role from a position of strength. That is an important part of Frank's legacy.” 

Greig and Frank will work closely with CPI's Executive Leadership Team throughout the transition, progressively transferring responsibility and key stakeholder relationships ahead of Greig formally becoming Chief Executive on 1 December 2026.