Chris Blackwell, the chief executive of Chippenham-based drug development firm Vectura, is to step down after 12 years in the job.
Dr Blackwell, pictured, joined the firm before its Initial Public Offering (IPO) and has led the company to its current position as a leader in the treatment of airways diseases. 
The firm, which licences its innovative technology for the treatment of airways diseases to other pharmaceutical companies, said Dr Blackwell will remain in the role until the end of June and will assist the board with the search for his successor.
Dr Blackwell said: “I am intensely proud of what we have achieved over the past 12 years and I feel that now is the right time to move on.
“I remain totally focused on the continued evolution of Vectura and I am confident that the business is in great shape, with the right senior management team to ensure that the company continues to thrive.”
Vectura chairman Bruno Angelici added: “I have enjoyed working with Chris and I warmly thank him for the great results achieved under his leadership. Whilst we will be sad to see Chris depart, he will leave the business in a very strong position.”
Vectura has development collaborations and licence agreements with global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies such as Novartis, Sandoz and GlaxoSmithKline.
It has eight products marketed by partners with growing global royalty streams and a portfolio of drugs in clinical development, a number of which have been licensed to major pharmaceutical companies.
