UK’s gene editing firm Horizon Discovery Group on Tuesday (29) said it has made its interim chief financial officer (CFO) Jayesh Pankhania's role permanent.

Pankhania joined Horizon in April last year on an interim basis. His previous finance roles include time spent at now defunct outsourcer Carillion and also at FTSE 250-listed Serco PLC.

He is replacing Richard Vellacott, who is stepping down after nearly seven years at Horizon. During that time he worked as CFO, operations chief, as well a deputy and interim chief executive.

Current CEO Terry Pizzie said: "I'm very pleased to welcome Jayesh as CFO of the group at this exciting time. In his role as interim CFO, Jayesh's leadership of the finance function and his support to the management team were very quickly apparent and invaluable as we reviewed our business priorities and implemented a five-year investment plan.

"His proven financial experience, including with listed companies, will be an asset to the group as we move to the next level and continue to progress our vision and growth plans for the business."

"I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Richard, on behalf of Horizon's board, management team and staff, for his contribution to the growth of the group since 2012," Pizzie added.

The company, Horizon was started by Dr Chris Torrance and Professor Alberto Bardelli in 2007. At present, the company has offices in the UK, Europe, and the US.

The firm offers a wide range of catalogue products and related research services to support a greater understanding of the function of genes across all species. The company designs genetically modified cells and then uses them in research and clinical applications that advance human health.