NextPharma ceo Bill Wedlake to step down

NextPharma, a European provider of product development, contract manufacturing and cold chain and logistics outsourcing services, has named a new chief executive to replace Bill Wedlake, who will step down at the end of this month.

Franck Latrille will take up the role at the UK-headquartered firm on 3 October.

Wedlake joined NextPharma when it was founded in July 2000 as chief financial officer. In 2003 he was appointed chief executive and joined the Board of Directors. He has contributed significantly to the growth and development of the NextPharma business. No reasons have been given for his departure.

The rest of the NextPharma executive management team remains unchanged.

Latrille joins NextPharma with a broad experience of the global pharmaceutical industry, having most recently held executive board positions at Merck Serono, including deputy ceo and executive vp of marketing and sales.

Previously at Serono, Latrille has held executive board positions with responsibility for pharmaceutical manufacturing and product development operations.