Executive Moves: Cytovance Biologics

Posted on March 28, 2008 @ 01:33 pm

Darren Head has been named chief executive officer of Cytovance, a bio-CMO specializing in the production of therapeutic proteins and antibodies from mammalian cell culture.

Mr. Head was previously at Immucor, where he served as vice president of worldwide operations, overseeing the manufacturing of biological products in the U.S., Europe and Canada. Prior to that, he was an operations manager and project manager for such companies as Aronex Pharmaceuticals, Allergan Optical and Abbott Laboratories.

"Darren is a very accomplished executive ready to immediately take the helm with 18 years of broad experience in both the scientific and business sides of our industry," said William Canfield M.D. Ph.D., chairman of Cytovance Biologics. "It is critical for the advancement of Cytovance that the CEO has the vision, practical industry knowledge and experience to ignite and sustain new growth in this business segment. We are confident Darren Head is that executive."

Executive Moves: Catalent Pharma Solutions

Posted on March 28, 2008 @ 08:08 am

Matthew M. Walsh has been named senior vice president, finance and chief financial officer at Catalent Pharma Solutions, effective April 7, 2008. David A. Eatwell, the incumbent in this role, will be leaving Catalent effective April 4, 2008 to pursue other opportunities.

Mr. Walsh has extensive public company financial leadership experience, most recently as president and chief financial officer of Escala Group, Inc., a global collectibles network and precious metals trader. From 1996 through 2006, Mr. Walsh held positions of increasing responsibility in corporate development, accounting and finance at diversified industrial manufacturer GenTek, Inc., culminating in his appointment as vice president and chief financial officer. Prior to GenTek, he served in corporate development and other roles in banking and the chemicals industry.

John Lowry, president and chief executive officer of Catalent, remarked, "I am pleased to welcome Matt as the newest member of our Catalent executive team. His unique combination of experience across operational, treasury and financial disciplines, combined with his public company experience, will enable him to contribute significantly to our success."

Mr. Lowry added, "I would also like to recognize David Eatwell's important contributions to Catalent over his career, and wish David success in his future endeavors."

Executive Moves: Legacy Pharmaceutiucals

Posted on March 28, 2008 @ 06:02 am

Paul Vaughan-Griffiths has been appointed to the newly created position of vice president of sales and marketing at Legacy Pharmaceuticals International, with the responsibility of overseeing sales and marketing in Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa. He will be based at the company's European headquarters in Basel, Switzerland.

"Legacy is excited to have Paul lead our EMEAA commercial efforts. We will continue to build on our momentum in the contract manufacturing business. This appointment underscores the depth of our commitment to global growth and continued profitability. The company will benefit from his expertise and leadership," said Mr. Michael R. Danzi, Legacy's chairman and chief executive officer.

Mr. Vaughan-Griffiths has more than 30 years' experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Prior to joining Legacy he was head of commercial European operations in Prostrakan Ltd., where he was involved in building the European business. He also spent 10 years with Valeant Pharmaceuticals, where he was vice president sales, marketing and business development and helped build the European pharmaceutical business from $30 million to $250 million. He also spent 20 years working for American Cyanamid, Lederle Laboratories, in various sales, marketing and general management positions in Europe and the U.S.