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(Alliance News) - Circassia Pharmaceuticals PLC said Thursday its chief executive & co-founder will retire at the end of the year after 13 years at the firm.
Steve Harris will step down from the company's board on December 31 but has pledged to work through the early part of 2020 to "ensure a smooth transition of leadership".
Circassia has also appointed Ian Johnson as executive chair, with immediate effect, to replace outgoing chair Francesco Granata.
Johnson is currently non executive chair of London-listed firms Redcentric PLC and Ergomed PLC. Previously, he was executive chair of Bioquell PLC and non executive chair of Quantum Pharma PLC, Cyprotex PLC, and Celsis Group Ltd, following a number of years as CEO of Biotrace International PLC.
Additionally, Circassia has hired Garry Watts as non executive director and senior independent director. He will take up the role on March 2 next year. Watts is currently non executive chair of Spire Healthcare Group PLC.
The respiratory products manufacturer also reiterated its full year guidance. For 2019, Circassia expects its revenue to be between GBP60 million and GBP65 million, compared to GBP48.3 million in 2018.
Shares in Circassia Pharmaceuticals were 2.6% higher in London on Thursday at 20.73 pence each.
By Paul McGowan; paulmcgowan@alliancenews.com
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