ADC Therapeutics SA (ADCT) today announced the election of Robert W. Azelby to its Board of Directors. Mr. Azelby brings more than 30 years of biopharmaceutical leadership and commercial experience to ADC Therapeutics’ Board.
“We’re delighted to welcome Bob to our Board. He brings with him a wealth of experience and a strong track record in building successful biotech companies. This expertise will be invaluable at this time as we execute on the updated corporate strategy outlined during our most recent earnings call,” said Ron Squarer, Chairman of ADC Therapeutics’ Board of Directors.
Most recently, Mr. Azelby served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Eliem Therapeutics. Prior to Eliem, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of Alder BioPharmaceuticals, Inc. from June 2018 until its acquisition by H. Lundbeck in 2019. Mr. Azelby previously served as Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer of Juno Therapeutics, Inc. from 2015 through its acquisition by Celgene in 2018. Earlier in his 15 years at Amgen, Mr. Azelby served in commercial roles including Vice President and General Manager of Amgen Oncology, Vice President of Oncology Sales, Vice President of the Commercial Effectiveness Unit and General Manager of Amgen Netherlands. He has also served on the Board of Directors of Immunomedics and Cascadian Therapeutics.
“I believe ADC Therapeutics is well positioned to unlock the full value of ZYNLONTA® while advancing a pipeline of high-potential, clinical-stage ADCs,” said Mr. Azelby. “As the ADC space continues to gain positive momentum, I look forward to helping ADC Therapeutics leverage its strengths to achieve its objectives and drive growth.”
Mr. Azelby currently serves on the Board of Directors of Clovis Oncology, Inc. and Chinook Therapeutics. He holds a B.A. in Economics and Religious Studies from the University of Virginia and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.
In addition to the appointment of Mr. Azelby, ADC Therapeutics announced the planned departure of four Board members. Stephen Evans-Freke, Michael Forer, Chris Martin and Jacques Theurillat are stepping down, with Mr. Forer transitioning to a Board Observer. With these changes, ADC Therapeutics’ Board will now have nine directors, the majority of whom are independent under NYSE listing standards.
“On behalf of my fellow Board members and ADC Therapeutics’ employees, I’d like to thank Stephen, Michael, Chris and Jacques for their dedication and invaluable contributions to ADC Therapeutics since its inception,” said Mr. Squarer. “Their work will have a lasting impact on the lives of patients around the world.”
