Long-serving Pharmaxis chief Alan Robertson steps down, making way for COO

Gary Phillips yesterday replaced founder Alan Robertson as CEO of Australian biotech company Pharmaxis yesterday.

Phillips, who has been the company’s COO for five years, has stepped right into the frying pan: on Monday the company is due to respond to the American Federal Drug Administration, which dealt it a huge blow last month by recommending against approving the company’s drug, Bronchitol, which treats cystic fibrosis.

Phillips holds an MBA as well as a degree in pharmacy, and was previously a CEO of Novartis. Robertson is staying on with Pharmaxis as a consultant for a year.