New top dog at vet firm

INTERNATIONAL veterinary products company Dechra Pharmaceuticals has announced that Tony Rice has board as non-executive director and will become chairman at the end of its AGM in October.

The listed firm, which has a large base in Shrewsbury, said the move was subject to his election as a director at the annual meeting.

At the same time, current chairman Mike Redmond will step down from the board.

Mr Rice is currently the senior independent non-executive director and chair of the remuneration committee at Halma plc, having previously served as chief executive at Cable & Wireless and Tunstall Holdings.

Prior to that held various roles at BAE Systems including managing director of commercial aircraft and group MD of business development.  Rice has also served as a non-executive director at Punch Taverns, Spirit Pub Company, Cable & Wireless, Telewest Communications and Saab Technologies, and Chairman of Alexander Mann Solutions.

Dechra chief executive Ian Page said: “[Tony] has gained extensive knowledge of international businesses and has a solid understanding of key strategic drivers. These skills will further enhance the team’s capabilities.

“I would also like to acknowledge Mike’s significant contribution to the development of the group and his leadership of the Board over the past 15 years.”