Shire appoints non-executive director

Shire has selected pharmaceuticals industry veteran Bill Burns to join its corporate board in the role of non-executive director.

Mr Burns joins Shire in addition to the positions he holds on the board of directors of companies including Roche, Chugai Pharmaceuticals and Genentech.

His past employment record includes a spell as the chief executive officer of the pharmaceuticals division of Roche, playing a key role in the company’s acquisition of Genentech.

The newly-appointed director said he is keen to work with a company with a successful track record and attractive approach to addressing medical needs.

He added: “I look forward to making a contribution to this ambitious and exciting player in the global pharmaceuticals industry.”

Last month, the healthcare company published its financial breakdown for the 2009 fiscal year, during which it was able to maintain its revenue levels from 2008 despite the challenging nature of the market.