AustCancer CEO, board members resign

Paul Hopper has resigned as CEO and managing director of Australian Cancer Technologies (ASX:ACU).

In a statement, AustCancer said Hopper would remain an advisor to the company, which earlier this month signalled an intention to move its corporate headquarters to San Diego and change its name to Avantogen. Hopper, formerly managing director of Alpha Healthcare, became CEO of AustCancer in August 2003 and managing director in October the same year.

AustCancer chairman Richard Opara, who will take on the role of executive chairman until a new CEO is appointed, said the board wanted a CEO with broad experience in the US biotech sector, extensive networks in the US and strong support from international shareholders.

Two of AustCancer's non-executive directors have also resigned: Sydney-based Katherine Woodthorpe and US-based Alexander Capello.

Dr Roger Aston, who chairs AustCancer's scientific advisory board, and CFO Tom Milicevic will continue to lead the company's Sydney-based executive. US-based life science consultant Arthur Benvenuto will help AustCancer make a successful entry to the US market, the company said.