Vectura Group, a UK company which specialises in the development of products for the treatment of airways-related diseases, has appointed James Ward-Lilley as CEO and Executive Director. Ward-Lilley will succeed Dr Chris Blackwell who, as previously announced, leaves Vectura at the end of this month.
Ward-Lilley joins the Group on 1 October from AstraZeneca, where he is currently Vice President Respiratory, Inflammation & Autoimmunity, GPPS (Global Product and Portfolio Strategy). In his current role he has responsibility for the development of AstraZeneca’s RIA (Respiratory, Inflammation and Autoimmunity) strategy, which has included the recent acquisitions of Almirall’s respiratory business and Pearl Therapeutics.
Prior to this, Ward-Lilley led the AstraZeneca Investor Relations team from 2011 to 2012.
Ward-Lilley has had an extensive career at AstraZeneca, spanning 28 years across a variety roles. He progressed from sales and marketing roles in the UK to Country Head of Belgium and Luxembourg a position he held between 2002 and 2005. He then led AstraZeneca's business in China to become the number one pharmaceutical company in the market in 2008. He went on to become Regional Vice President for Central Eastern Europe and the Middle East where the business enjoyed a period of strong growth with sales doubling to $2bn during his tenure.
The Board of Vectura has confirmed that as previously announced, Dr Trevor Phillips will act as Interim CEO from the end of this month until Ward-Lilley joins the company.
Bruno Angelici, Chairman, commented: 'We are delighted that James is joining as CEO. His significant relevant experience in the respiratory market which he has gained within a major global pharmaceutical company will be a considerable asset for Vectura. James joins at an exciting and important time for Vectura and we are confident that the company will continue to grow from strength to strength under his leadership.'