Simon Wright

Chief Operating Officer

Simon Wright's journey to operational excellence began long before his professional career. Growing up on a farm, he learned the importance of hard work, efficiency, and problem-solving from a young age. Always curious, Simon frequently asked, "How could this be easier?"— a question that continues to drive him today.

Simon's professional career began in procurement within a heavily engineered business, part of Massey Ferguson. His knack for identifying inefficiencies and his drive to improve processes quickly led him to transition into end-to-end supply chain roles and lean continuous improvement. Over the years, Simon has seamlessly moved between operational supply chain and factory roles, ensuring his perspective remains fresh on both sides of the process. A standout aspect of Simon's career is his experience in the aerospace industry, known for its stringent regulations, high standards, and critical importance of safety and precision. This background is incredibly valuable in his role as Chief Operating Officer at Cytiva, where similar standards and regulations apply. Simon's ability to deliver on time and maintain high safety and quality standards is crucial in ensuring that Cytiva's products and services consistently meet customer expectations and regulatory requirements. Simon's leadership approach is characterized by a focus on safety, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement. He emphasizes the importance of delivering on time and maintaining high standards in regulated environments, drawing parallels between his experiences in aerospace, medical devices and the life sciences industry. Simon's ability to lead transformations and execute strategies has been a hallmark of his career, particularly in senior roles over the past 15 years. A significant family medical experience deepened Simon’s appreciation for advancements in therapeutics and vaccines. During the years immediately following the COVID-19 pandemic, he advised a company involved in developing RNA-based vaccines, further aligning his professional pursuits with his personal experiences. In his personal life, Simon enjoys spending time with his family, watching or driving motorsport, and beekeeping with his son. He values listening and learning from others, striving to create an inclusive and collaborative environment in both his professional and personal interactions.