SHANGHAI, March 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Sundia MediTech Group ("Sundia" or the "Group"), a leading China-based contract research organization ("CRO"), today announced that Dr. Chen Chen, Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"), will retire from the Group at the end of March 2015. As part of a planned succession, the Board elected Dr. Jim Li, the Group's Chief Technology Officer ("CTO"), to succeed Dr. Chen effective April 1, 2015. Dr. Chen will remain a consultant to the Group following his retirement.
"Dr. Chen's leadership has been fundamental in establishing Sundia as a leading CRO. His contribution to Sundia's growth over the last number of years and to its success cannot be overstated. On behalf of the Board, senior management and the people of Sundia, I thank Dr. Chen for his exceptional leadership and guidance, and wish him and his family the very best," said Ms. Cathy Yen, Chairman of Sundia.
"Dr. Chen has worked closely with the Board in its development of a robust succession plan. We are therefore delighted that Dr. Li will take on the role of CEO," Ms. Yen added. "Dr. Li brings a strong technical background together with extensive operational and global experience. In particular, Dr. Li's specialized chemical and process expertise will enable Sundia to further broaden its integrated portfolio of service offerings as well as enhance its process development and manufacturing capabilities. His strong track record of execution and strategic leadership has earned him the respect of employees, customers and partners worldwide. We are pleased to have someone of Dr. Li's caliber to lead Sundia as it embarks on its next chapter of growth."
"It has been a great honor to lead Sundia through an extremely exciting phase of its development. I have had the distinct privilege of working with the talented and dedicated people of Sundia, and I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished over the years," said Dr. Chen. "I am confident that under Dr. Li's leadership, Sundia is well positioned for continued success," Dr. Chen added.
Dr. Li commented, "On behalf of my Sundia colleagues, I'd like to express our gratitude for Dr. Chen's leadership and his innumerable contributions to the Group. I am deeply honored and thankful for the opportunity to lead Sundia at this exciting time. I look forward to working with our leadership team, employees, customers and partners to ensure that Sundia continues to grow and enhance its position as a global premier CRO."
Dr. Jim Li: Biography
Dr. Li joined Sundia in 2012 and has held various management positions with increasing responsibility. As CTO, Dr. Li currently leads Sundia's Process & Development and Analytical Research & Development departments, overseeing business development and daily operations including API manufacturing and CMC coordination. As a key member of Sundia's executive leadership team, Dr. Li has helped develop and implement Sundia's corporate strategy while assuming responsibility for client coverage. Prior to Sundia, Dr. Li spent 18 years working in a variety of positions at a global CRO as well as leading pharmaceutical companies and research institutions, including Wuxi Apptec, Wyeth (now owned by Pfizer) and Cognis. From 2010 to 2011, Dr. Li served as Senior Director at Wuxi Apptec where he led a process R&D team and collaborated with various functional teams to ensure successful development of small molecule drug candidates. During Dr. Li's 10-year career at Wyeth, he participated in and led numerous drug discovery research programs, including successfully delivering development track compounds for treatment of various diseases such as COPD and Asthma. He also received numerous awards for his research achievements at Wyeth.
Dr. Li received a B.S. in Chemistry from Wuhan University, a M.S. in Polymer Science from the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Science and a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Central Lancashire, and completed his postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Chicago. To date, Dr. Li has 57 publications and patents.
About Sundia
Sundia is a leading China-based CRO providing a broad range of high-quality, integrated and cost-effective services across every stage of drug discovery and pharmaceutical development, particularly in chemistry synthesis and pre-clinical studies. As of August 2013, three INDs were approved by the CFDA and one IND approved by the U.S. FDA through pre-clinical study collaborations with Sundia. Information on Sundia's service offerings as well as recent press releases can be obtained through its website at http://www.sundia.com.
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