Local pharmaceutical supplier Pharmaxis has announced the appointment of Gary Phillips as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer.

Mr Phillips, who has been appointed immediately, has served as the company’s Chief Operating Officer for the last five years, and has been with the company since its listing on the ASX in 2003.

Mr Phillips takes the role after Dr Alan Robertson announced he will be handing down the reins after 13 years as the company’s founding chief Executive Officer.

Dr Robertson will continue to serve the company in a consulting capacity.

“Gary Phillips willreview the current business model and implement a number of changes aimed at securing Pharmaxis’ position as a commercially successful pharmaceutical company and maximising shareholder value,” Pharmaxis’ Chairman Malcolm McComas said.

Mr Phillips brings over 30 years experience in the pharmaceutical industry to the role, having served as CEO of Novartis group companies in Europe, Asia and Australia.

“We thank Alan Robertson for his contribution to Pharmaxis since its inception as a venture capital funded start-up. He has created a substantial business and has led the development of a much needed, novel treatmentfor cystic fibrosis(CF),” Mr McComas said.