ReNeuron appoints Richard Beckman as chief medical officer

AIM-listed stem cell research company ReNeuron has appointed Richard Beckman as chief medical officer, replacing Julian Howell, who has left to pursue other opportunities.

Beckman, who has more than 25 years of executive and consultancy experience in drug and device development, will be based in the group's recently-established US office in Boston, where he will lead the clinical and medical affairs team.

Before joining ReNeuron, Beckman was the chief medical officer of several innovative biotech and device firms, including Clearside, Ophthotech and Neurotech. Prior to that, he held leadership roles at Alcon, Lux Bio, Becton Dickinson and Allergan.

Chief executive officer Olav Hellebø said: "I am delighted to welcome Rick to the company's management team. His many years' experience in medical practice and industry in the US will be invaluable to us as we build out our Boston team and increase our clinical activities in the US.

"I would like to express my sincere thanks on behalf of the company to Julian Howell who has led our clinical and medical team so skillfully. We wish him well in his next endeavour."

At 1340 BST, the shares were down 1% to 81.20p.