Silence Therapeutics elevates Iain Ross to executive chairman
Silence Therapeutics
535.00p
16:34 29/11/21
Silence Therapeutics announced a “strengthening” of its board and management team on Tuesday, with Iain Ross set to be appointed as executive chairman from 1 January.
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The AIM-traded firm said he would work alongside chief executive officer David Horn Solomon, who would increasingly focus on implementing the company's strategy in the United States.
It said Ross had re-joined the Silence board as non- executive chairman in April, and since that time he had been working closely with Solomon, who had worked on strengthening the management team with several “high-profile appointments”, including chief financial officer Rob Quinn, head of research and development and chief medical officer Dr Giles Campion, and general counsel Barbara Ruskin.
They also included head of business development John Strafford, and head of manufacturing Jurgen Wittendorff.
During that period, the firm noted that it had also announced a “transformational development” and licensing deal with Mallinckrodt, and had held discussions with other potential partners, which were ongoing.
“I am extremely excited to take on the role of executive chairman at a very exciting stage of the company's development,” said Iain Ross.
“Our lead development assets are progressing well, we are in multiple business discussions and, as David will be spending a greater amount of time focused on our US initiatives, I look forward to providing further support in London and Berlin.”
In addition, Silence announced that, in anticipation of an increased focus on the US, non-executive director Dave Lemus would take over the chairmanship of the audit and risk committee from Alistair Gray who, in light of Ross’ appointment, would become senior independent director.
The company said it was looking to further strengthen the board and management team in due course, with the recruitment of two further non-executive directors and key senior managers with US experience.
“Iain and I have been working together since he was appointed as chairman and I welcome his support and commitment and look forward to working with him in this coming important year,” said David Horn Solomon.
At 1313 GMT, shares in Silence Therapeutics were down 4.49% at 468p.