Harpal Kumar gained a Masters in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cambridge and an MBA as a Baker Scholar from Harvard Business School.

After a brief period working as a research scientist with the UK Atomic Energy Authority, Harpal worked for four years in the London office of McKinsey and Co, specialising in advising pharmaceutical clients on strategic issues.

He then became CEO of The Papworth Trust, which focuses on pioneering rehabilitation and housing services for people with acquired and congenital disabilities.

Harpal left Papworth in 1997 to become founding CEO of Nexan Group, a venture capital-backed medical device company, creating and marketing novel cardio-respiratory monitoring technologies to reduce premature mortality in patients with congestive heart failure.

Harpal joined Cancer Research Technology Limited (CRT) as Chief Executive in October 2002 to drive forward the Charity¿s technology transfer and early drug discovery activities. In addition to his role with CRT, he became Chief Operating Officer of the Charity in July 2004, responsible for the strategic direction and day-to-day operational management, before coming Chief Executive in April 2007.

Harpal is Chairman of the Beatson Institute for Cancer Research and is a Trustee of the Institute for Cancer Research. He also serves on the Boards of the National Cancer Research Institute, the UK Clinical Research Collaboration, and the NHS Innovation Council.