Originally trained as a classical musician, following a hand injury Gavin pursued a career as a microbiologist and research scientist with SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals. In 1998 he refocused his career on commercialising the outputs of academic research, serving a variety of roles in universities in the UK and in New Zealand with senior appointments including Director of Research & Enterprise at the University of Otago (2012-18) and Dean of Enterprise at Massey University (2019-2023).
Gavin is co-founder and Chair of SortLogic, an England start-up focused on biotechnology for greater sustainability in farming.
Since June 2023 Gavin has been the inaugural Director of Enterprise & Commercialisation at The University of Arts London.