Rua Bioscience has appointed Paul Naske as its new CEO, with interim managing director Anna Stove returning to the board as chair.
Former CEO Rob Mitchell retired in September after nearly three years in the role, with company director Stove leading the business while a replacement was sought.
Naske has held roles at Rua since 2019 as chief operations officer and, most recently, chief commercial officer. His appointment as CEO is effective from March 1.
He oversaw the construction of the firm’s two R&D facilities, and helped navigate the regulatory environment within which it launched its first product for 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.”
Interim managing director Stove will now return to the board as chair, succeeding Burt who is retiring 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.”
