Abcam, a global leader in the supply of life science research tools announced its Chairman, Murray Hennessy, has informed the Board that he has accepted a CEO role and will therefore relinquish his non-executive Chairman position and step down from the board following the AGM in November 2017.
After three years as Chairman and six years on the Board, Hennessy has decided to return to executive management in a company based in the USA.
Murray Hennessy, Chairman, said: “It has been a privilege to be Chairman at Abcam for the last three years. I am proud of the achievements we have realised in implementing the successful growth strategy we commissioned in 2013, which has ensured we remain the global leader in the sales of research antibodies.”
Louise Patten, who is currently serving as Senior Independent Director of Abcam, will take over as interim non-executive Chairman at the conclusion of the AGM, once an orderly handover is complete.
A search for a permanent non-executive Chairman will now commence. Mara Aspinall will be appointed as the interim Senior Independent Director at the conclusion of the AGM.
Alan Hirzel, CEO, said: “I would like to thank Murray for his support and advice since my appointment as CEO over three years ago. I have been fortunate to benefit from his experience and the passion he has demonstrated for our business. His broad experience has helped us continue the transformation of Abcam… Louise has previous experience as a FTSE Chairman, and I am looking forward to working with her as interim Chairman.”
