Former Alchemia CEO joins Ascend as chairman

Ascend Biopharmaceuticals has appointed former Alchemia (ASX:ACL) chief Dr Peter Smith to be its new chairman.

The company, which is preparing to enter key clinical trials for two immunotherapy cancer treatments, also named chartered accountant Mark Ewing as a non-executive director.

Smith stepped down as CEO and managing director of Alchemia in January.

Before joining Alchemia, he was CEO and managing director of Amrad Corporation - which was acquired by CSL (ASX:CSL) in 2006 - and the founder of cancer immunotherapy biotech Onyvax.

Ewing is a specialist in providing corporate advice to CEOs. He is currently deputy chairman of the  holding company for TEAC Australia and chairman of the advisory board for Pro-Ride Racing.

“Dr Smith has demonstrated his outstanding leadership, commercial and management skills over the course of several decades working across the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors,” Ascend CEO Clement Leong said.

“Mr Ewing and Dr Smith both have complementary backgrounds, and both add significant depth and expertise to the board.”