Richard Sykes

Sir Sykes made important experimental contributions to microbiology, of which the best known are his work on B-lactamases, and the discovery of the first monocyclic B-lactam antibiotic, aztreonam. Sir Richard Sykes has over 30 years’ experience within the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries field — serving as Chief Executive and Chairman of GlaxoWellcome from 1995–2000, then Chairman of GlaxoSmithKline until 2002. Amongst many others, Sir Richard Sykes was Rector of Imperial College London from January 2001 to June 2008.