(Alliance News) - Oncimmune Holdings PLC on Wednesday said it appointed Martin Gouldstone as its new chief executive, replacing Adam Hill who stepped down following the divestment of Oncimmune Ltd.

Chief Financial Officer Matthew Hall also stepped down, with the Nottingham-based immunodiagnostics developer appointing Martin Hudson to the new role of finance director.

Oncimmune, which primarily focuses on immuno-oncology, autoimmune disease and infectious diseases, said Gouldstone would become CEO on August 1.

The move comes after the firm's announcement in late June that Hill would step aside as part of the refocusing of the wider group's business.

At the time, Oncimmune said it would focus on its ImmunoInsights business, following its divestment of Oncimmune Ltd to Freenome Holdings Inc in May.

Hill's successor Gouldstone has "over 25 years of experience in the life science sector", Oncimmune said, adding his "commercial experience and connections will be a valuable asset in driving the company's future business development activities".

Meanwhile, after five years in the role, Oncimmune said Hall has decided to step down as the company's CFO. Rather than selecting a direct successor, Oncimmune said it recruited Hudson to the new role of finance director, joining the company on September 4.

Hudson will head Oncimmune's finance function and support the CEO, Oncimmune explained.

"With these changes to the leadership team, we believe that Oncimmune is now poised to begin [financial 2024] with the right leadership and resources to deliver on its plan for growth, which is based on our strong intellectual property portfolio, our master services agreements with major pharma companies and our recently announced long term relationship with Freenome Inc," said Chair Alistair Macdonald.

Outgoing CFO Hall added: "I would like to thank the board for their support over the past five years, as we transitioned the company from a single asset diagnostic company to a leading autoantibody profiling pharma services business. I wish the new management team every success as they now capitalise on Oncimmune's industry leading position."

Shares in Oncimmune were up 4.2% to 16.68 pence each in London on Wednesday late morning.

By Greg Rosenvinge, Alliance News reporter

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