Specialist drug development group Vectura has appointed a senior director of pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca as it new chief executive, replacing Chris Blackwell, who steps down next week after 12 years in the role.
James Ward-Lilley joins Chippenham-based Vectura, which licences its innovative technology for the treatment of airways diseases to other pharmaceutical companies, on October 1. He was worked at AstraZeneca (previously Zeneca) since leaving university when it was still part of ICI. He is currently vice president respiratory, inflammation & autoimmunity, GPPS (global product and portfolio strategy).
In this role he has responsibility for the development of AstraZeneca’s RIA (respiratory, inflammation and autoimmunity) strategy, which has included the recent acquisitions of Almirall’s respiratory business and Pearl Therapeutics. 
He has worked in a variety of commercially focused roles in a career at AstraZeneca spanning 28 years, progressing from sales and marketing roles in the UK through to country head of Belgium and Luxembourg, a position he held between 2002 and 2005.
He then led AstraZeneca’s business in China, helping make it the number one pharmaceutical company in the market in 2008. He then went on to become regional vice president for Central Eastern Europe and the Middle East, where the business enjoyed a period of strong growth with sales doubling to $2bn during his tenure. He also led the AstraZeneca investor relations team from 2011 to 2012.
Vectura chairman Bruno Angelici said: “We are delighted that James is joining as CEO. His significant relevant experience in the respiratory market, which he has gained within a major global pharmaceutical company, will be a considerable asset for Vectura.
“James joins at an exciting and important time for Vectura and we are confident that the company will continue to grow from strength to strength under his leadership.”
James Ward-Lilley added: “I am looking forward to driving the business forward and ensuring the company achieves its goal on becoming a speciality pharmaceutical company.”
Dr Trevor Phillips will act as interim CEO from next week until James Ward-Lilley joins the company.
