Imperial names new Circassia chair

Circassia, a specialty biopharmaceutical company focused on controlling immune system responses owned by early-stage investor Imperial Innovations, has named Sir Richard Sykes as chairman of the board.

Sir Richard succeeds Charles Swingland who held the post of executive chairman following the establishment of the business earlier this year. Swingland will remain with Circassia as deputy chairman and general counsel.

Sir Richard has been in the pharmaceutical industry for 30 years, during which time he was chairman and CEO of Glaxo and subsequently Glaxo Wellcome. He is currently chairman of the UK Stem Cell Foundation and chairs CATALYST, London’s Council for the Advancement of Science and Industry.