John Bamforth is the executive director of UNC-Chapel Hill’s Eshelman Innovation, whose mission is developing novel therapeutics and launching new digital health companies in North Carolina.
Originally from the United Kingdom, John spent nearly 30 years with Eli Lilly and Company, where he was chief marketing officer. He became recognized as a builder of global brands and leader of highly engaged teams.
John and his wife, Sue, founded the Ciara Arts and Science Foundation in 2017, which supports college scholarships for disadvantaged youth.
He earned a Doctor of Philosophy in neuropharmacology from Aston University in Birmingham, UK, and a Bachelor of Pharmacy from the University of Bath.