SUDA Pharmaceuticals (ASX:SUD), a company focused on oro-mucosal drug delivery, has announced the appointment of Dr Michael Baker as its CEO, commencing 2 January 2020.
Mr Baker joins SUDA Pharmaceuticals from Australian life science fund, Bioscience Managers, where he was based from 2017.
As an Investment Manager, he was responsible for deal sourcing from networks, conferences, universities and research institutes. He also conducted the due diligence to shortlist investment opportunities and managed portfolios, specifically helping investee companies with corporate and operational strategies and fundraisings.
Mr Baker was previously a project manager at Hexima, which specialises in developing agricultural and pharmaceutical products. He was a senior manager and his role was to lead a team of research scientists and drive project development, ensuring timely completion of milestones, including helping guide a drug candidate from discovery to clinical trials.
He is replacing Paul Hopper, who will step down after a hand-over period and resume as Non-Executive Chairman for SUDA Pharmaceuticals.
“I am delighted that an executive of Michael’s calibre has agreed to accept the role of CEO. Michael’s expertise across commercialisation of technologies, scientific research and financial investments is a core asset, which is important for SUDA as it repositions itself. Business development will be a major focus of the new role and Michael’s high energy personality will help SUDA focus on the year ahead,” said Mr Hooper.
“With refreshed company management going forward we are striving to rebuild company value and shareholder confidence.” he continued.
“This is a major career step for me and I am utterly determined to make SUDA successful and deliver benefits to shareholders,” said Mr Baker.
“In this transformational time there is a lot of work to be done. Paul Hopper at the AGM laid out new plans, and I look forward to working with him to secure funding, manage costs, focus on deal making and commercialise ZolpiMist worldwide.”