28 Apr 2015 07:00
28 APRIL 2015
Allied Minds plc (the "Company")
Appointment of New Non-Executive Chairman
Allied Minds plc, an innovative U.S.-focused science and technology development and commercialisation company, today announces that Mr. Peter Dolan will be appointed to the role of Non-Executive Chairman of the board of directors of the Company ("Board"), with effect from the conclusion of the Company's Annual General Meeting on 28 May 2015. Mr. Dolan will replace the current Executive Chairman, Mr. Mark Pritchard, who will remain on the Board in an executive capacity in the short term but intends to step down from the Board later in the year, although he is expected to continue to be actively engaged with the Company. Mr. Pritchard founded Allied Minds in 2004 and has been directly involved in its strategic direction and growth since inception, most recently taking the role of Chairman of the Board as the Company listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange in June 2014. The appointment of Mr. Dolan, an independent non-executive director, will further the Company's compliance with best practices of the UK Corporate Governance Code.
Mr Dolan was appointed to the Board of Allied Minds plc in May 2014. Mr Dolan is currently the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Tufts University. Mr. Dolan has more than 30 years of operating experience, including 18 years at Bristol-Myers Squibb, where he served as Chairman and CEO. He subsequently served as Chairman and CEO of Gemin X, a venture capital backed oncology company that was sold to Cephalon, a U.S. based biopharmaceutical company, in 2011. Additionally, among several other appointments, he has served on the board of directors of the American Express Company and was Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.
Chris Silva, CEO commented:
"On behalf of the Board and employees of Allied Minds, I wish to thank Mark for his important contributions since the Company's inception, and for his leadership as Chairman. During his tenure, Mark's vision and dedication to creating a new paradigm for early-stage investing has created tremendous benefit for all stakeholders - from the scientists and engineers who have seen their inventions transformed into commercial products, to the investors who have shared in the creation of significant value. I am grateful that Mark will continue as an active member of the senior leadership team.
"I am also delighted that Peter has agreed to succeed him. Peter's deep experience in leading complex organisations and boards, and working closely with stakeholders, will be a powerful asset for the Company as it continues to grow. I look forward to his contributions and guidance as we seek to achieve the Company's long-term strategic and business objectives."
Peter Dolan said:
"I am delighted to take on the role of Chairman of the Board for Allied Minds. We are fortunate at Allied Minds to have a diverse, dynamic, and dedicated group of experienced professionals who are committed to the Company's vision of transforming U.S. invention into innovative products and companies. The responsibilities of Chairman are substantial yet exhilarating, and I look forward to helping Allied Minds continue to develop its partnerships, early-stage technology and new company investment. I would like to thank Mark for building Allied Minds into a leader in technology commercialisation, and I am excited to take a more active role at the Company as it embarks on its next phase of growth."
For more information, please contact:
Allied Minds plc www.alliedminds.com
Mark Pritchard, Executive Chairman +1 617 419 1800
Chris Silva, Chief Executive Officer +1 617 419 1800
FTI Consulting
Ben Atwell, Matthew Cole +44 (0) 20 3727 1000