• ‍Will Downie to step down as CEO
• Board to launch comprehensive search for a permanent successor
• Establishing interim Office of the Chief Executive

London, UK – May 21, 2024 – Argenta, the leading global animal health contract research, development and manufacturing organisation, today announced a leadership transition in which Will Downie is stepping down as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). A newly formed Office of the Chief Executive (OCE) will serve in an interim capacity as CEO while the board conducts a search for a permanent successor.

“On behalf of the Board and Argenta, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to Will for his inspirational leadership and the significant impact he has had on the company. We wish him all the very best as he embarks on his next endeavours,” said Kugan Sathiyanandarajah, Partner at KKR. “The Board is looking forward to working with the OCE and our over 650 colleagues globally to deliver excellence for our customers and strategic partners.”

The OCE will be comprised of various members of the Argenta Board of Directors who possess extremely strong track records of performance, quality, and growth in the animal health and human health pharma sectors:

• George Gunn: former CEO of Novartis Animal Health, and former board member of Phibro and Nexvet
• Stephan Kutzer: former CEO of Alcami, and Divisional CEO of Lonza Pharma and Biotech
• Wes Wheeler: former CEO, President, or Chairman of UPS Healthcare, Marken, Patheon, Bushu, and DSM

The OCE will also be supported by four members of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT).

Will Downie stated: “I am extremely proud of the Argenta team as the company has become the industry leader for outsourced services in the animal health market. We have made great strides as an organisation during a period of exceptional growth, and I look forward to seeing the team’s continued success in the future.”

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About Argenta

Argenta is a global animal health services company, supporting companies big and small to develop and manufacture products that contribute to the health and wellbeing of pets and farm animals. Founded in 2006, we are the only combined global contract research, development and manufacturing organisation (CRO/CDMO) dedicated to animal health. From 'molecule to market', our trusted, innovative solutions cover every stage of product development, spanning pharmaceutical sciences, novel drug delivery technologies, (pre-)clinical and regulatory services, and manufacturing. We’re trusted by the world’s top animal health companies and customers return to Argenta for our unparalleled, comprehensive support. With bases in New Zealand, the US and Europe, our 650+ colleagues are driven by our partnership approach and purpose: Healthy Animals. Let’s Make It Happen, Together. For more information, please visit www.argentaglobal.com  

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Press Contact

Annemieke.dekeijzer@argentaglobal.com

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