Chimerix has appointed pharma veteran and former CEO of Glaxo Holdings Dr Ernest Mario as the company’s new chairman.
Mario (pictured right) was CEO of Glaxo from 1989 to 1993, ahead of its subsequent merger with Wellcome in 1995 and then SmithKline Beecham in 2000 to eventually form GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).
Following his departure from Glaxo, Dr Mario served as chairman and CEO of Alza from 1993 until its acquisition by Johnson & Johnson (J&J) in 2011.
He then held the role of chairman and CEO of Reliant Pharmaceutical from 2003 until its acquisition by GSK in 2007.
Dr Mario currently serves as chairman and CEO of US-based biopharma Capnia.
“Ernie brings to Chimerix a unique breadth and depth of experiences across large and early stage pharmaceutical firms,” said Kenneth Moch, president and CEO of Chimerix.
“His knowledge will be invaluable as we seek to progress our lead compound, CMX001, through phase III clinical development and commercial launch.”
Dr Mario replaces Dr James Niedel, who will remain as a member of the board at Chimerix.