News from Watson, OvaScience and Sirona – People on the move
Watson Pharmaceuticals has launched its new global generics management team, placing Andrew Boyer as leader.
The firm formed the team following its €4.25bn ($5.4bn) takeover of generics firm Actavis Group last week.
Boyer, who first joined Watson in 1998, was previously the senior VP of sales and marketing.
"Since the announcement of our intention to acquire Actavis in April 2012, we have been working to ensure that we have the management structure in place to capitalize on the commercial momentum of this combined organisation," said Paul Bisaro, President and CEO of Watson.
OvaScience has drafted Thomas Malley onto its board of directors.
Currently president for Mossrock Capital, Malley also serves on the boards of Synagenva Biopharma and Puma Biotechnology.
CEO Michelle Dipp said: “Tom’s knowledge of the healthcare industry and his expertise in identifying companies with breakthrough technologies will be invaluable to OvaScience as we seek to develop and commercialize new treatments for infertility.”
Sirona Biochem has named Neil Belenkie its new CEO.
Belenkie – who joins the firm after founding consulting firm GrowthPoint Group – takes the reigns from Howard Verrico, who will remain as chairman of the board.
The firm hopes Belenkie’s appointment will help accelerate growth plans. Verrico said Belenkie’s “aggressive, results-driven approach reflects the kind of expertise that Sirona Biochem is now ready to embrace.”
Silence Therapeutics has hired Tim Freeborn as its new finance director.
A chartered accountant by trade, Freeborn previously worked for Xcap Securities as head of research.
Of his new role he said: “Silence’s area of biotech is moving incredibly quickly. The company could play a big role and I’m delighted to be joining at this time.”
Daniel Lynch has become chairman on Nimbus Discovery’s board of directors.
Previously the executive chairman at Avila, Lynch replaces the Nimbus’ co-founder Bruce Booth, who will continue as a board member.
“His expertise in strategy and executive management will provide a valuable resource to the Nimbus team and board,” said Booth.
Heather Cook has become director of regulatory affairs for Pharmalink AB, whilst Marek Poszepczynski is the new director of business development
Cook was formerly the head of department for regulatory development projects at H. Lundbeck. Poszepczynski joins from Handelsbanken, where he was lead equity analyst.
Pharmalink MD Johan Häggblad said: "These appointments add significant talent and new experience to Pharmalink's management team as the company continues to drive forward its late stage clinical development programs for Nefecon and Busulipo and actively seeks new product opportunities.”
