Bloodletting at Alexion as new chief exec shifts c-suite

Shares in US biotech firm Alexion Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: ALXN) slumped nearly 10% today as investors were unsettled by a raft of management changes from new chief executive Ludwig Hantson.

Stamping his mark on the c-suite, the former Baxalta CEO is bringing in a new chief commercial officer, chief financial officer and two new executive vice presidents.

Brian Goff will replace Carsten Thiel as COO, taking on all commercial operations globally with responsibility for country operations in each of Alexion’s affiliates.

Dr Hantson said: “Brian brings to Alexion the expertise and proven track record that will help us continue to build on our global leadership position, as well as a passion for developing talent and cultivating a high-performing culture.”

The company’s CFO, Dave Anderson, will resign at the end of August, and the current head of R&D, Martin Mackay, will resign at the end of the year. Alexion says it will start recruiting for these positions directly.

The company will also begin hiring for a new human resources chief, to replace Clare Carmichael, who will leave in a month.