LONDON, Dec. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Astex Therapeutics ("Astex") is pleased to announce that John Aston (52) has joined the Company as Chief Financial Officer and a member of its Board of Directors.
John was most recently Chief Financial Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of Cambridge Antibody Technology ("CAT"). He joined CAT in September 1996, six months before CAT's Initial Public Offering. As CFO and a senior member of its executive management, he played a central role over a period of more than 10 years in the development of CAT into one of Europe's most important biotechnology companies, including the successful listing of CAT on the London Stock Exchange and subsequently on NASDAQ, and its sale to AstraZeneca in June 2006.
John has a degree in Mathematics from Cambridge University. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Price Waterhouse, subsequently joining British Technology Group ("BTG") before gaining extensive experience in corporate finance during 14 years at Schroders, where he was appointed a Director in 1989.
Leon Bushara, CEO of Astex said:
"I am delighted that John has decided to join us. The coming months and years will be exciting ones at Astex as we continue to evolve into a fully- integrated drug discovery and development company, with a growing number of products advancing toward the market. John's exceptional skills and experience will be an enormous asset to Astex as we capitalise on the significant opportunities ahead."
John Aston said:
"I very much look forward to joining what is already a strong management team at Astex. With a productive and innovative drug discovery platform, high-profile partnerships with industry leaders, and multiple products in development, Astex has already clearly established itself as one of the most promising young companies in biotechnology today. I am excited at having this opportunity to contribute to its future growth and success."
Contacts: Leon Bushara Jon Coles / Justine McIlroy Chief Executive Officer Tel. +44 (0) 207 404 5959 Tel +44 (0)1223 226200 Email: astex@brunswickgroup.com Email: l.bushara@astex-therapeutics.com Web: http://www.astex-therapeutics.com
Astex TherapeuticsCONTACT: Leon Bushara, Chief Executive Officer, of Astex Therapeutics,+44-1223-226200, l.bushara@astex-therapeutics.com; or Jon Coles or JustineMcIlroy, both for Astex Therapeutics, +44-207-404-5959,astex@brunswickgroup.com
Web site: http://www.astex-therapeutics.com/
