Shire appoints new non-executive director

Shire has announced the appointment of Sara Mathew as a non-executive director and a member of its audit, compliance and risk committee.

Ms Mathew previously served as chairman, president and chief executive officer of Dun and Bradstreet, where she helped transform it from being a data provider to a broader digital enterprise during a 12-year spell at the firm.

Prior to this, she spent 18 years at Procter and Gamble in a variety of global senior finance and management positions. She is currently a director of Avon Products, the Campbell Soup Company and Freddie Mac.

In 2013, Ms Mathew was named the top value creator in the Standard and Poor's 500 by Chief Executive magazine, underlining her status as a respected business leader.

Susan Kilsby, Shire's chairman, said: "I am confident that Sara's unique combination of skills and experience will further enrich the Shire board of directors as we advance towards becoming a global biotechnology leader."

The firm is currently pursuing an ambitious growth strategy, having recently agreed a deal to purchase Foresight Biotherapeutics and launching a bid to acquire Baxalta.