THE Corwen-born pharmaceutical entrepreneur, Sir Roger Jones, has died aged 83.
Mr Jones, who was educated at Bala Boys' Grammar School, founded one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in Wales, Penn Pharmaceuticals, in the 1980s.
He was appointed a governor of the BBC in the 1990s, and chaired the Welsh Development Agency between 2002 and 2006.
He appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1996, and was knighted in 2005 "for services to business and training in Wales".
Mr Jones was also pro chancellor and chair of Swansea University, a trustee of the National Botanic Garden of Wales, chairman of Carmarthenshire Heritage Trust, trustee of Carmarthenshire Rivers Trust, president of YMCA in Wales, and a governor at Christ College, Brecon
ZooBiotic Ltd, which was founded by Mr Jones in 2005, celebrated the life of a “visionary leader” and “pioneering entrepreneur”.
In a statement, the company said: “Sir Roger’s passing marks the end of an extraordinary era, leaving behind an indelible legacy that impacted the landscape of clinical innovation and commercial life sciences in Wales and the United Kingdom.
“Sir Roger will be forever remembered for his many career achievements; the creation of ZooBiotic Ltd in 2005, which made history as the very first commercial spin-out from the NHS, being one such example.
“Recognising the immense clinical potential of pioneering larval therapy treatments developed within the NHS, Sir Roger possessed the rare commercial foresight and determination required to transition a hospital-based service into a highly successful, independent corporate entity.
“His pioneering work broke new ground for medical commercialisation in the UK, creating a blueprint for how public healthcare discoveries could be successfully brought to the wider world to improve patient care on a global scale.
“Throughout his decades of leadership, Sir Roger demonstrated an unparalleled loyalty to the ZooBiotic board and an unwavering commitment to the governance and strategic direction of the company.
“As chairman, he was a steady, guiding hand who fostered a culture of mutual respect, transparency, and high ambition.
“His relationship with fellow directors was defined by absolute integrity and a shared devotion to the company's mission.
“Sir Roger’s steadfast support for the business and its operational efforts never faltered, whether navigating the complex early days of an NHS spin-out, securing vital investment, or championing the landmark international acquisition of BioMonde that cemented the company’s position as a global leader in larval debridement therapy.
“Even as he transitioned to the role of life president, his dedication to the company's progress and the well-being of its workforce remained absolute.
“The entire community across ZooBiotic now comes together to celebrate a life exceptionally well lived, and one marked by immense achievement.
“Sir Roger’s work directly contributed to alleviating human suffering and saving limbs, a source of enormous pride for everyone privileged to work alongside him.
“He was not only a titan of Welsh industry and a passionate champion of life sciences, but also a mentor, a gentleman, and a deeply valued friend to many.”
Mr Jones was also a founding fellow of the Learned Society of Wales, which was established in 2010.
President of the society, Professor Dame Elan Closs Stephens, said: "Sir Roger was a distinguished researcher and entrepreneur and a leading figure in the public life of Wales.
“He brought his creativity, curiosity and energy to all his many projects. Above all, he was ambitious for Wales and showed it in his roles in the WDA and the BBC.
“He was ambitious that Wales could lead the way in the new field of bio therapy. It was ambition for Wales that led him to be a Founding Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales.
“He wanted Wales to have an academy similar to the royal society that could develop and share ideas and knowledge. We owe him an immense debt as we honour his memory."
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