Richard Jones goes from Shield Therapeutics to Mereo as CFO

Richard Jones

Edited: Shield’s CEO’s, and Richard Jones’ s comments

Mereo BioPharma Group , a clinical stage, UK-based, biopharmaceutical company focused on rare and specialty diseases, has appointed Richard CM Jones as Chief Financial Officer and will join the Board of Directors in early 2017.

Jones has joined Mereo from Shield Therapeutics where he has been Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary. He was initially appointed as a Non-Executive Director at Shield in 2010 before moving to his current position in 2011 where he had a leading role establishing the finance operations and guiding Shield through its recent IPO.  Prior to this, Jones had a career in investment banking, holding senior positions at Investec and Brewin Dolphin Securities, where he advised healthcare clients on a wide range of transactions and fundraisings including IPOs, M&A and fundraisings. Richard qualified as a Chartered Accountant with PwC in 1991.

Richard Bungay, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer has resigned from the Board of Directors and as previously indicated will leave the Company in April 2017 in order to ensure an orderly transition.

Dr Denise Scots-Knight, Chief Executive Officer of Mereo BioPharma Group plc commented:

“I am delighted to announce the appointment of Richard Jones as our Chief Financial Officer and to the Board of Directors. His extensive financial experience in the healthcare industry, initially as an investment banker in the sector and more recently as CFO of Shield Therapeutics, complements that of the other members of Mereo’s executive team. Following our positive debut as a listed company, the Board is confident that Richard will make a valuable and significant contribution to Mereo’s future success. “

Jones to fulfil duties until departure

Until his departure, Jones will continue as a Board member and Shield’s CFO, with a focus on progressing key commercialisation workstreams as well as facilitating an orderly transition. it has been said in the Shield’s press release. The company said it would inform the public regarding the appointment of a new CFO in due course.

Carl Sterritt, CEO of Shield Therapeutics, said: “Richard has helped build the Group from its inception as a small private company through to being listed on AIM.  I would like to thank him for his significant contribution to Shield and wish him the best in his future endeavours as we continue to grow rapidly into a commercial-stage specialty pharmaceutical business with international operations.”

 Richard Jones added: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my six and a half years of service to Shield, working with Carl and the team, and I am very proud of what we have achieved.  It is now time to apply my skills to a new challenge.”