Astellas appoints new UK leader

Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd (APEL) has appointed Mike Crooks as General Manager of its UK operation, Astellas Pharma Ltd (APL).

Mike Crooks will seek to expand Astellas’ UK business, focusing on the therapy areas where the company aims for global leadership: transplantation, urology, dermatology, anti-infectives, pain management and oncology.

Mr Crooks has 30 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry, holding positions at Ciba, Novartis and Zeneca before becoming Marketing and Sales Director: Diabetes, Northern Europe at Novo Nordisk. He joined APL in 2007 as Marketing Director, and became Sales & Marketing Director for Specialist Brands in 2010.

In his new role Mr Crooks replaces Amit Makwana, who sadly passed away last year.

Ken Jones, President and CEO of APEL, said: “When Mike joined Astellas he brought with him a high level of expertise. With a proven track record in delivering sales, and a wealth of experience, Mike provides the right leadership to deliver on our commercial objectives and will support our commitment to patients and healthcare professionals in the UK.”

“With a strong team, product portfolio and a rich pipeline in Phase III development, this marks an important period for the business,” commented Mr Crooks. “Having already established category leadership in urology and transplantation, we are looking to do the same in oncology, reinforcing our commitment to bringing new and effective therapies to market in areas where unmet needs still exist.”

Based in Staines, UK, APEL is the European subsidiary of Tokyo-based Astellas Pharma Inc.