After three years as Chairman and six years on the Board, Murray has decided to return to executive management in a company based in the USA. Louise Patten, who is currently serving as Senior Independent Director of Abcam, will take over as interim Non-Executive Chairman at the conclusion of the AGM, once an orderly handover is complete. A search for a permanent Non-Executive Chairman will now commence. Mara Aspinall will be appointed as the interim Senior Independent Director at the conclusion of the AGM.
Murray Hennessy, Chairman, said: "It has been a privilege to be Chairman at Abcam over the last three years. I am proud of the achievements we have realised in implementing the successful growth strategy we commissioned in 2013 which has ensured we remain the global leader in the sales of research antibodies. I have complete confidence in the Board and the executive team to sustain Abcam's long term growth. I am leaving the company in a great position and I wish Alan and the team the very best for the future."
Alan Hirzel, CEO, said: "I would like to thank Murray for his support and advice since my appointment as CEO over three years ago. I have been fortunate to benefit from his experience and the passion he has demonstrated for our business. His broad experience has helped us continue the transformation of Abcam. We have a company that is stronger today for Murray's contributions to the Board and I remain confident of our outlook. I wish him every success in his new role. Louise has previous experience as a FTSE Chairman, and I am looking forward to working with her as interim Chairman."
Abcam Chairman to step down
12 October 2017
Abcam plc, a global leader in the supply of life science research tools announces that its Chairman, Murray Hennessy, has informed the Board that he has accepted a CEO role and will therefore relinquish his Non-Executive Chairman position and step down from the Board following the AGM in November 2017.