Kelso Pharma, the high-growth specialty pharmaceuticals business, announces that Allan Watson, the company’s Chief Financial Officer, has decided to retire from his role and is being succeeded by life sciences financial specialist, Alan King.
Apposite Capital-backed Kelso Pharma is focused on bringing innovative, value-added, specialty medicines to international healthcare markets, providing products that improve the lives of patients in a cost-effective and ethical manner. The company is growing through a blend of company and product acquisitions, partnerships and organic growth internationally. UK-based, its assets currently consist of Stirling Anglian Pharmaceuticals; Velit Biopharma; and ALTURiX.
Allan Watson is one of the founding directors of Kelso Pharma, with more than 20 years’ experience in the life sciences sector.
Allan Watson said:
“After more than two decades in the sector – including many years working alongside members of the Kelso senior management team – it’s time for me to hand over the financial reins. I’m proud of the role I’ve played in helping to build Kelso to the position it occupies today and I wish the company and its fantastic team further success going forward.”
Alan King has held a range of senior financial roles with ProStrakan Group PLC; Kyowa Kirin International; Grünenthal Meds; and, most recently, Noveeda. Consequently, he brings extensive financial expertise and understanding of the sector to the role, including in the key areas of M&A, product inlicensing and outlicensing and partnering.
Commenting on the change, Kelso Pharma CEO, Dr. Tom Stratford, said:
“Allan Watson has been a key player in Kelso Pharma’s growth and we will forever be grateful to Allan for his financial stewardship and significant contribution during his time with the company. He’s been a strong, wise colleague and a good friend.
“In Alan King we have an experienced and ambitious colleague who can pick up the financial baton for Kelso and I look forward to working with him as we continue to build on our ambitious growth plans.”
Alan King said:
“I know the senior management team well and I have followed Kelso Pharma’s progress with great interest. It is a privilege to have been given this opportunity to play my part in the next chapter of the Kelso growth story as the company continues to deliver value-for-money specialty medicines for patients.”