Vectura Appoints James Ward-Lilley as CEO

Vectura Group has announced the appointment of James Ward-Lilley as CEO and Executive Director.  James will succeed Dr Chris Blackwell who, as previously announced, leaves Vectura at the end of June 2015.

James joins the Group on 1 October 2015 from AstraZeneca where he is currently Vice President Respiratory, Inflammation & Autoimmunity, GPPS ("Global Product and Portfolio Strategy"). In his current role James 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, James led the AstraZeneca Investor Relations team from 2011 to 2012.

James has had an extensive career at AstraZeneca, spanning 28 years across a variety of commercially focused roles. James progressed from sales and marketing roles in the UK through 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. James 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 $2billion during his tenure.

James is a BA Hons graduate, has an MBA and holds the Institute of Marketing Diploma. 

The Board confirms that as previously announced, Dr Trevor Phillips will act as Interim CEO from the end of June 2015 until James Ward-Lilley joins the company as CEO.

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."

James Ward-Lilley commented: "I am delighted to have accepted the role of CEO of Vectura and to build on the already strong foundations that are in place. I am looking forward to driving the business forward and ensuring the company achieves its goal on becoming a speciality pharmaceutical company."