Senior AZ exec jumps ship to become CEO of Redx

UK biotech firm Redx Pharma (AIM: REDX) today announced the appointment of Lisa Anson as chief executive and to its board of directors. She will take up both roles on June 1, 2018, at which point Iain Ross, currently executive chairman, will revert to being non-executive chairman.

Ms Anson, aged 49, has been president of Anglo-Swedish pharma major AstraZeneca’s (LSE: AZN) UK business since 2012 and brings significant leadership experience to the role. Over a 20 year career with AstraZeneca, she has held a variety of senior management roles at AstraZeneca in both the USA and the UK including global vice president oncology and VP of emerging brands working closely with the research and development teams.

News of the appointment sent Redx’ shares soaring 42.55% to 8.91 pence by mid-morning, after what was seen as pulling off a major managerial coup and drawing a line after recent problems the company has faced. Last year Redx, which specializes in cancer and fibrosis, went into administration and was forced to sell assets in order to repay debt to a local government body. In November 2017, the company was able to exit administration and recommence trading on the London Stock Exchange,