Avacta Group plc announced that Christina Coughlin, MD, PhD, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the company, effective 1 May 2024. Dr. Coughlin has served as a Board member since March 2022, consultant in clinical development and as Head of Research & Development since February 2024, driving the development of the pre|CISIONTM platform from the bench to the bedside. After 19 years as CEO, Dr. Alastair Smith will be stepping down on April 30, 2024.

The Board of Directors of the company has been preparing for CEO succession, supported by a third-party recruitment specialist. As part of this process, it has considered a wide range of candidates as a potential new CEO for the Group, reviewing both external and internal candidates. Dr. Coughlin emerged from these activities as the outstanding candidate for CEO.

The Board also plans a broader evolution in order to meet the increased demands of being a clinical stage oncology company, alongside the need to more clearly communicate with shareholders and other key stakeholders. Dr. Coughlin trained as an oncologist and immunologist at the University of Pennsylvania and her career in industry has included roles with increasing seniority at major biopharmaceutical companies including Wyeth, Pfizer and Novartis. She has since held several senior leadership roles in biotech companies including Immunocore, Tmunity and Rubius where she served as Chief Medical Officer.

More recently, Dr. Coughlin served as the Chief Executive Officer of Cytolmmune Therapeutics. At the company, Dr. Coughlin has been pivotal in driving the clinical development strategy for AVA6000, the lead pre|CISION? peptide-drug conjugate, and the broader drug pipeline strategy at the company.