23rd Apr 2007 13:33
Hikma Pharmaceuticals Plc23 April 2007 Hikma announces the appointment of Said Darwazah as Chief Executive Officer LONDON, 23 April 2007 - The Board of Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC ("Hikma") (LSE:HIK) (DIFX: HIK), the multinational pharmaceuticals group, announces changes toits senior management team. Said Darwazah is appointed as Chief Executive Officer with effect from 1 July2007. Samih Darwazah, Hikma's current Chairman and Chief Executive Officer willcontinue in both positions until July, when he will assume the role ofNon-Executive Chairman. "Said's proven abilities to expand both the top andbottom lines will be invaluable and will enable Hikma to continue to deliver onits promises, as it has for years past," said Samih Darwazah. "We are veryexcited to have Said at the helm during this important growth period for Hikma." Said, 49, was most recently Minister of Health in the Hashemite Kingdom ofJordan, a post which he held from 2003 until 2006. From 1994 until 2003, Said was Chairman and CEO of Hikma Investment Company,then the holding company for the Hikma group. During his tenure at Hikma, Saidled the Company through significant change and achievement. Key milestonesinclude the acquisition, integration and turnaround of West-ward Pharmaceuticalsin the US and the greenfield development of the Injectables business in Europeand the MENA region. Under his leadership, the Company's facilities in Jordan,the US and Portugal were inspected and approved by the FDA. Said is currently on the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Jordan andthe King Hussein Cancer Institute. He has a degree in industrial engineeringfrom Purdue University in the US and an MBA from INSEAD. Sir David Rowe-Ham, Senior independent Non-Executive Director and Chairman ofthe Nomination Committee said, "We are delighted to welcome Said back as Hikma'sChief Executive. His significant operational experience and extensive knowledgeof the MENA region and its key pharmaceutical markets, combined with hisexperience in the United States, will complement the skills of our existingteam, and will add greatly to the future success of Hikma." Said Darwazah said, "I am very pleased to be taking up the role of ChiefExecutive at what is a very exciting time for the Company. The opportunities forHikma are considerable and I look forward to working with my colleagues tocontinue to grow the business and enhance shareholder value." Said was previously a director of Capital Bank of Jordan. There are no otherdetails in respect of this appointment that are relevant to be disclosedpursuant to the Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority. - ENDS -Enquiries: Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLCSusan Ringdal +44 20 7399 2760Investor Relations Director Brunswick GroupJon Coles / Justine McIlroy / Alex Tweed +44 20 7404 5959 About HikmaHikma Pharmaceuticals PLC is a multinational pharmaceutical group focused ondeveloping, manufacturing and marketing a broad range of both branded andnon-branded generic and in-licensed pharmaceutical products. Hikma's operationsare conducted through three businesses: Generic, Branded and InjectablePharmaceuticals. Hikma's operations are based principally in the Middle East andNorth Africa ("MENA") region, the United States and Europe. In 2006, the Grouphad revenue of $317 million and profit attributable to shareholders of $55million. At 31 December 2006, the Group had over 2,443 employees. For news andother information, please visit www.hikma.com. Other regulatory disclosuresIn accordance with the Offered Securities Rules of the Dubai Financial ServicesAuthority, Hikma discloses that Said Darwazah was selected by the Company'sNomination Committee. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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