Melbourne-based Dimerix (ASX:DXB) has announced the appointment of Dr Nina Webster as its new CEO and managing director.
Dr Webster succeeds Kathy Harrison who has moved into the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer (COO).
The company said both appointments are in line with its plan to bolster its executive leadership as it moves toward the commencement of two phase 2 human clinical trials for lead program, DMX-200.
Dr Webster brings over 25 years of global experience in both biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, beginning her career in new product development with Wyeth (now part of Pfizer) in the UK before moving to Australia.
She has held a number of senior executive leadership roles and has also held responsibility for business development, investor relations and prosecution of intellectual property matters, as well as leading and managing the strategic, scientific and operational aspects of product development.
In her most recent role, Dr Webster was commercial director of Acrux (ASX:ACR), where she was responsible for the strategic identification, development and maintenance of commercial partnerships globally, the intellectual property portfolio and investor relations. Prior to that, Dr Webster was the director of commercialisation and IP for Immuron (ASX:IMC).
Dr Webster holds a PhD in Pharmaceutics (Drug Delivery) from Cardiff University, a Bachelors Degree in Pharmacology, a Masters Degree in Intellectual Property Law from Melbourne University and an MBA from RMIT.
According to executive chairman, Dr James Williams, “With Nina’s appointment, Dimerix has completed the executive team build out. Nina brings a focus on external business development and investor relations, and the ability to lead the established operational team, which is focused on executing our expanded clinical programs to deliver maximum value from our assets.
"I am delighted that the Company has attracted someone of Nina’s calibre to join as our CEO. She has demonstrated abilities in partnering out commercial assets, brings strong capital markets relationships and provides another dimension in experience to the already solid internal intellectual property capability. We welcome her to the role.
"As previously advised, with this appointment, Kathy Harrison will now transition into the COO role allowing focus on the important task of executing our clinical programs for which she has demonstrated enormous talent. I look forward working together with Nina, Kathy and the broader team in the next phase of the Company’s growth.”
Commenting on her appointment, Dr Nina Webster said, “I am delighted to be joining the team at Dimerix at an exciting time. Kidney disease is a growing global issue that needs to be addressed and I believe Dimerix has a significant part to play. I share the Board’s confidence in the future of this business and believe that we have the potential to deliver substantial value to our customers, employees, investors and the wider community.”