Dechra Pharma selects Alison Platt as next chair

Dechra Pharmaceuticals has selected Alison Platt to chair the board when Tony Rice steps down at the end of 2021.

Platt has been a non-executive director at Dechra since March 2020 and sits on the boards of Tesco and Spectrum. She is also chair of Legal & General Financial Advice.

Rice announced his retirement in September after five years as chairman of the veterinary pharmaceuticals group and will hand over to Platt on 31 December. Denise Goode, a non-executive director, has resigned and will leave the board at the end of November.

Ian Page, Dechra's chief executive, said: "Since joining us in 2020 Alison has gained a good understanding of Dechra and our culture. Her extensive leadership experience and skills will further enhance the team's capabilities. I would also like to acknowledge Tony's contribution to the development of the group. We wish him all the best."