John Bamforth, PhD
Director, Eshelman Innovation
PHONE(919) 966-7878
johnph@email.unc.edu
ADDRESS
210 Beard Hall, , 7355, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, locked
John is the Executive Director of Eshelman Innovation which is a translational institute developing novel therapeutics and launching new digital health companies in North Carolina.
John is originally from the UK but emigrated to the US in 2001. He now holds dual citizenship. A pharmacist with a PhD in neuropharmacology, John joined the Pharma industry in 1989 with Eli Lilly. Spending most of his career in commercial functions, he became recognized as a builder of global brands and leader of highly engaged teams. Retiring from Lilly after 30 years, John returned to academia to lead the Institute at the University of North Carolina. In his current role, John continues to advocate for diversity and inclusion and its demonstrated impact on performance and innovation.
John is on multiple boards including the Akanocure Pharma, where he is chairman of the board, READDI and Level the Playing Field.
John’s passion outside work is his family; he has two children, Thomas and Rebecca, with his wife Sue. John and Sue founded the Ciara Arts and Science Foundation in 2017 which supports college scholarships for disadvantaged youth. John is a keen golfer and general sports geek.