Arix Bioscience has appointed Naseem Amin (pictured) as chairman, replacing Joe Anderson, co-founder and chief executive, who is leaving the company.

Amin joined the Arix board in December 2019 as non-executive director. He has life sciences experience in the US and Europe, having held senior positions in healthcare businesses in R&D, business development, marketing, and in venture capital.  

Amin has held various roles including venture partner at Advent Life Sciences and chief scientific officer of Smith and Nephew. He also led business development at Biogen and at Genzyme Therapeutics, where for both companies he initiated and executed a number of acquisitions and partnerships. 

Amin started his career at Baxter Healthcare where he worked in marketing, product development and clinical research. 

Jonathan Peacock, co-founder and chairman, and Art Pappas, non-executive director, will step down from Arix’s board of directors at the 2020 annual general meeting. 

Peacock, said “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Joe and those leaving Arix for their significant contribution to advancing great science and creating at Arix a broad portfolio of leading biotech companies, each with the potential to bring important breakthrough therapies to patients.”

He added: “These operational changes, which will have a substantial impact on cost-structure, best position the company to capture value and set the stage for future long-term growth. Under Naseem’s leadership, I feel confident that the business is in good hands to deliver on that opportunity.”

Amin said: “I am very pleased to transition to the position of executive chairman at Arix. The founders and management team have done exceptional work in establishing a strong and exciting portfolio of innovative biotech investments. I look forward to working closely with the team to ensure we are optimally positioned to generate superior returns for stakeholders and ultimately be part of delivering new potential therapies to patients.”