Singapore: Brisbane-based pharma firm Alchemia has appointed Mr Charles (Charlie) Walker as its chief executive officer. Mr Walker, who holds a BSc (Hons) in Pharmacology and an MBA, has accepted the position effective immediately. Mr Walker was Alchemia's chief financial officer for the last two years and has over 20 years' of international life science industry experience. Furthermore, the present chairman of the firm, Dr Mel Bridges, will resume his role as non executive chairman.

Mr Walker, who originally trained as a pharmacologist in the UK before embarking on a career in the pharmaceutical industry, has spent more than a decade in corporate finance advising international technology companies, executing more than 40 successful corporate transactions including initial public offers (IPOs), merger and acquisitions (M&A) agreements and fund raisings. He also co-founded a successful life sciences investment banking firm in the UK, which was sold to Nomura International in 2005 realizing significant returns for investors.

Dr Bridges said that, "The board is delighted to have secured the services of a talented and experienced life sciences executive to lead the company through what promises to be a critical development period. Charlie's financial, technical and operational background and proven leadership skills will support the delivery of key milestones, while maintaining a sharp focus on delivering shareholder value."

Mr Walker commented, "Alchemia is a fast growing, late stage drug development company with a bright, international future. The next 12 months will be transformative both in terms of clinical and corporate development and I am looking forward to building on the strong foundations already established, and continuing to work to unlock value for shareholders."