Shire appoints new regenerative medicines head

Shire has announced the appointment of Dr Jeff Jonas as the new president of its regenerative medicines business.

Dr Jonas has been with the company since 2008 and has been closely involved with the regenerative medicines division since its acquisition as Advanced BioHealing last year.

He has been appointed as the successor to Kevin Rakin, who has led Advanced BioHealing since 2007 and has played a key role in the integration process, but will now be leaving to pursue new opportunities.

Meanwhile, Dr Jonas' previous post of leader of the specialty pharmaceuticals research and development team will be assumed by Dr Arnaud Partiot.

Shire chief executive officer (CEO) Angus Russell said: "Jeff's insight and experience will enable us to build on this as we shape this business for future growth.  We have great ambition for this business and we're committed to seeing those ambitions realised."

This comes after the company announced last month that Dr Flemming Ornskov will succeed Mr Russell as CEO next April, following a comprehensive transitional period.