New chairman for ProStrakan after integration is completed

a BOARDROOM reshuffle at ProStrakan, the Borders-based drugs developer, has seen the appointment of a new chairman.

The firm, which floated in 2005 and was taken private two years ago by Japanese peer Kyowa Hakko Kirin, will announce today that industry veteran John Brown is to become chairman from 1 January.

Brown will replace present incumbent Peter Allen, who is due to leave the board of Galashiels-based ProStrakan at the end of next month.

Non-executive director Michael Asbury is also set to stand down on 31 December.

The firm said the changes followed the “successful integration” of the Scots company into the Kyowa Hakko Kirin business following 2011’s £300 million acquisition.

Brown is currently chairman of the Cell Therapy Catapult and CXR Biosciences, and senior non-executive director of Vectura Group. He was formerly chairman of BTG, Axis-Shield and, prior to that, chief executive of Acambis.

In the public sector, Brown co-chairs the life sciences industry advisory board for the Scottish Government and is also chairman of the Roslin Foundation.

Tom Stratford, chief executive of ProStrakan, said: “Peter and Mike have each been long-standing members of the board and, during their time with us, ProStrakan has grown significantly and transitioned from being a small independent company into an important part of Kyowa Hakko Kirin. I would like to thank them personally for their support and, on behalf of our other board members, for their commitment and contribution over the years.

Commenting on Brown’s appointment, Stratford said: “We are thrilled to have been able to attract someone with John’s credentials as our new chairman.”