Agios Pharmaceuticals: Jackie Fouse
Another company focused on cell metabolism is Agios Pharmaceuticals, which has also moved to appoint a CEO by recruiting Jackie Fouse. The appointment can be regarded as something of a coup for the biotech, with Fouse having once been considered a lead runner to become CEO of one of the biggest biotechs on the block, Celgene.
She had held the positon of chief financial officer at Celgene and was also president of the company’s global haematology and oncology units. Reflecting the market’s view of her potential as CEO for the biotech, shares in the company rose from $81.14 (€69.52) to $83.82 immediately following the announcement of her appointment.
Fouse will replace David Schenkein as CEO, who will move onto the role of executive chairman of the company, after nearly a decade of running the company.
“With the recent approval and launch of our second internally discovered medicine, Agios has demonstrated that it is capable of discovering, developing and commercialising precision medicines. After leading the company for nearly 10 years, the board and I believe now is the right time to begin this transition. Having worked closely with Jackie for several years and as a member of our board, I am confident that she is the right person to build on the strong foundation we’ve established,” said Schenkein.