Rua Bioscience has named Paul Naske as its incoming chief executive, with interim managing director Anna Stove transitioning back to the board in the role of chair.
Previous CEO Rob Mitchell stepped down in September after close to three years leading the company, with board director Stove stepping in to run the business while a search for his successor was conducted.
Naske has been part of Rua since 2019, initially as chief operations officer and latterly as chief commercial officer. His appointment takes effect from March 1.
During his time at the company, he oversaw construction of its two R&D facilities and guided the business through the regulatory processes that allowed it to bring its first product to New Zealand patients.
Naske said: "I'm incredibly proud to take the lead at Rua as we enter an exciting new phase of commercialisation. It's an honour to lead a team dedicated to improved patient health and with a strong commitment to social enterprise."
Outgoing chairman Trevor Burt said: "Paul has proven himself to be an experienced and multi-disciplined executive with intimate knowledge of our business and the industry. He understands how to maximise global opportunities.
"I've been particularly impressed by [his] ability to provide visible leadership and foster an approach that is patient-focused and aligned with our values."
Stove will move from her interim managing director position back onto the board as chair, taking over from Burt, who is stepping down due to ill health.
Burt added: "It's been an honour and a privilege to lead a tenacious Rua team in what has been an incredibly challenging business environment. I'm sorry to depart, and know I leave the company in great hands and well-positioned to execute its global strategy."
Stove said: "Trevor has displayed incredible leadership. His extensive corporate executive and governance experience was invaluable as we built a diversified and resilient business.
"I look forward to working closely with Paul as we build a focused strategy that ensures sustainable success. We are now poised for accelerated global growth."
