The CEO and co-founder of Aptamer Group plc has left the business.
The AIM-listed MedTech company, headquartered in York, is the developer of synthetic antibodies to enable innovation in the life sciences industry. It works with the likes of AstraZeneca.
Dr Arron Tolley has held CEO roles at Aptamer since 2008 and led the group since 2014. There is no indication for the reasons for the departure.
Aptamer warned last week that its full-year revenues will be materially lower than expected, with £1.4 million sales for the 10 months ended April 30th 2023.
The company said its existing business pipelines are taking longer than expected to convert, including licensing and royalty-based contracts, amidst market headwinds.
Chairman of the board Dr Ian Gilham will assume the role of interim executive chairman while CFO Dr Rob Quinn will assume the role of interim CEO. A search for a full-time CEO will begin immediately.
“I’d like to thank Arron for his achievements in building a company that is now providing its leading aptamer solutions to 15 of the top 20 pharmaceutical companies in the world,” said Dr Gilham.
“Alongside building the Optimer platform he has scaled the business through significant operational and corporate milestones, most significantly its AIM listing in December 2021. On behalf of the board, I wish him well in the future.
“The board is now focused on appointing an appropriate successor who will be able to lead Aptamer’s next phase of development and build on the foundations of the business to deliver shareholder value in the long term.”
Dr Quinn added: “I recognise the immense power of Aptamer Group’s technology and the impact it can have across the life sciences industry and I would like to thank Arron for everything he has contributed to the company.
“I look forward to working closely with Ian, the wider management team and the board as we look to drive revenues, grow the business, and to deliver value for shareholders.”