Syncona names Melanie Gee chair-designate

Healthcare firm Syncona tapped former Weir Group director Melanie Gee to take over as its chairman on Tuesday,

Gee was appointed to Syncona's board of directors as a non-executive director and its chair-designate, with immediate effect.

She would work closely with current chair Jeremy Tigue over the coming months in preparation for his retirement on 31 December, the company said in a statement.

Prior to her appointment, Gee spent over 30 years in the financial advisory industry and is currently a non-executive director over at Standard Life Aberdeen, alongside her role as a senior advisor for Lazard & Co.

Gee has also held the position of non-executive director at The Weir Group and Drax.

Chairman Jeremy Tigue said: "I am delighted to welcome Melanie Gee to the board. She has a wealth of expertise built from 30 years in investment banking and is an experienced board member, serving on the boards of both FTSE 100 and 250 companies.

"I have been greatly privileged to chair the company through seven exciting years since its foundation in 2012 and look forward to handing over to Melanie at the end of December."

As of 0825 BST, Syncona shares had dipped 0.048% to 230.89p.