Takeda announce new UK MD, ahead of possible Shire transformation

"Jon’s appointment comes at an exciting time for the company" reads the company press on annoucing its new Managing Director of Takeda UK and Ireland; ‘exciting’ is definitely one way of describing the position for the man stepping into the role of ahead of the likely Shire buyout.

Jon Neal will take on the role after being promoted internally from his former position as Business Unit Director for Takeda’s UK Oncology unit. Should the deal for Shire go ahead, as it looks almost certain that it will, then Neal is going to have a lot of work on his hands integrating the businesses.

After nine years at Takeda, he will be familiar with the business and that offers some security over bringing someone new into the role that would have to learn the ropes of, potentially, two businesses.

In addition, a solid knowledge of the UK and Ireland marketplace will be a benefit – given that he has worked for MSD and Takeda in the region for well over a decade. Prior to this, he held the role of Director of Strategic Information & Planning at Servier, working at the French pharma company for close to two decades.

Giles Platford, President, Takeda Europe and Canada, commented on the leadership changes: "Jon takes over as Managing Director at an exciting time for the company after strong growth over the past three years under Adam’s leadership. He has an extensive track record of success in the UK market, and has embodied Takeda’s values as a truly patient-centric leader in his recent tenure as Oncology Business Unit Director. I look forward to working alongside Jon and the UK Senior Leadership Team to continue our transformation into an agile specialty care provider."

Jon Neal commented on his appointment: "During Adam’s time as Managing Director, he oversaw really strong company growth, both in revenues, portfolio and people, with many talented colleagues joining the company and close to a 50% expansion in headcount. I am therefore thrilled to be taking the reins at such an exciting time and look forward to leading our immensely talented and committed team to see what we can achieve together for patients".

It might not be too long before that headcount expands quickly again.

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