Shire to search for new CFO; appoints new head of HR

Ireland-headquartered Shire (LSE: SHP) has announced changes to its executive committee, as it progresses its strategy to sharpen its focus as a leader in rare diseases.

Jeff Poulton, chief financial officer, will be leaving Shire at the end of the year to serve as CFO at Indigo Ag, a start-up company based in Boston that uses the plant microbiome to improve the productivity and sustainability of agriculture. The board will commence a formal search for a successor and Mr Poulton will continue to serve in his current role as this search progresses.

Dr Flemming Ornskov, chief executive of Shire, said: “It is with regret that we announce Jeff’s upcoming departure. Having held numerous roles within the company, Jeff has demonstrated steadfast commitment to Shire through a very intense period of activity and has made significant contributions to our organization. Jeff will continue to lead the Shire Finance team through the Q3 reporting period and to the end of the year, and will play an active role in the search for his successor. On behalf of all Shire employees, we are grateful to Jeff for his dedication and leadership and wish him the very best in his future endeavours.”