LONDON (ShareCast) - (Sharecast News) - Specialty biopharmaceuticals company Circassia Pharmaceuticals announced the appointment of Jonathan Emms to the newly-created role of chief operating officer on Monday.
The AIM-traded firm said that as COO, he would "further strengthen" the company's commercial focus and lead its global commercial strategy and operational management.

He would also join its Board as an executive director when he joined Circassia on 2 September.

At the same time, Circassia's senior vice-president of research and development, Dr Rod Hafner, would step down from the board after 11 years as a Director, which the board said reflected its commercial focus now the approval process for the new drug applications for 'Duaklir' and 'Tudorza' were complete.

Dr Hafner would remain a "key member" of Circassia's senior management team, the directors said, and would continue in his role leading the company's business development, supply chain, medical affairs, regulatory and quality activities.

"We are delighted to welcome Jonathan to Circassia," said chief executive officer Steve Harris.

"With his impressive track record [of] building and leading successful commercial operations around the world, including for many years in the United States, he will make a valuable contribution to the company as we continue our drive for growth.

"With our preparations well-advanced for the forthcoming US launch of Duaklir, the ongoing establishment of our new Chinese sales team in the marketplace and our growing commercial presence in Europe, we look forward to Jonathan leading our commercial strategy."

At the same time, Harris thanked Dr Hafner for his "major contribution" to the company, managing Circassia's input into the successful Duaklir new drug application and Tudorza supplemental new drug application, and leading its research and development activities over a number of years.

"Following our recent transition into a commercially-focused business, we are delighted that Rod will continue as a member of Circassia's senior management team, leading our business development, supply chain, medical affairs, regulatory and quality activities."

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