Crown Bioscience has appointed Jean-Pierre Wery, Ph.D. as executive chairman of the board effective immediately. Dr. Wery will also serve as chief technology officer for JSR Life Sciences, LLC.

JSR acquired CrownBio in 2018 to expand its life science portfolio to serve the preclinical market. In this new role, Dr. Wery will lead the JSR Life Sciences companies’ collaborative efforts to develop innovative technologies, platforms and tools for the drug and biomarker research. This leadership change aims to ensure enhanced collaboration between CrownBio and JSR Life Sciences companies to expand its life sciences footprint.

CrownBio also appointed Armin Spura, PhD to succeed Dr. Wery as chief executive officer, effective April 1, 2020. Dr. Spura will drive the global corporate strategy for CrownBio to further strengthen the company’s position in preclinical research services across oncology, metabolic disease and inflammation.

“I am delighted to join CrownBio and to continue the company’s pioneering approach to developing new solutions for our clients,” said Dr. Spura. “I believe CrownBio is uniquely innovative within the preclinical CRO arena, and that innovation will remain a core to our identity, growth and market leadership position.”