Imugene Ltd (ASX:IMU, OTC:IUGNF) has appointed Kim Drapkin to its board as a non-executive director.
The clinical-stage immuno-oncology company will draw on Drapkin’s understanding of the US mid-cap biotechnology ecosystem.
Drapkin has a decorated career spanning more than a quarter of a century in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry and brings to IMU a rich blend of expertise in finance, capital management and strategic fiscal planning.
Between 2015 and May 2023, she was at the helm of Jounce Therapeutics, Inc. as CFO and treasurer, where she was instrumental in its expansion and financing strategies, leading up to its acquisition.
Her responsibilities extended to representing Jounce in front of investors and analysts, which contributed to its successful IPO and subsequent Nasdaq listing.
Prior to her tenure at Jounce, Drapkin ran a financial consultancy and held the interim CFO position for various emerging biotech companies such as Eleven Biotherapeutics, Inc., NinePoint Medical, Inc., and Blueprint Medicines Corporation, among others. She also occupied CFO roles at EPIX Pharmaceuticals and gained notable experience at Millennium Pharmaceuticals.
In addition to her new role at Imugene, Drapkin presides as the audit committee chair and is a member of the compensation committee on the board of Acumen Pharmaceuticals Ltd. She also has board experience with Proteostasis Therapeutics Ltd and Yumanity Therapeutics Ltd, where she chaired audit committees and was involved in governance and compensation committees.
Imugene’s executive chairman Paul Hopper welcomed Drapkin saying her experience would be crucial to Imugene's ongoing efforts to broaden their investor base and further expedite their clinical development programs with financial prudence.
"It’s a pleasure to welcome Kim to the Imugene team as a non-executive director,” Hopper said.
"Kim's extensive knowledge of the US mid-cap biotechnology ecosystem, and the drivers of company success, will be instrumental in supporting our ongoing efforts to expand our investor footprint and further accelerate our clinical development programs in a financially disciplined manner."
Farewell to former CEO Charles Walker
As it welcomes Drapkin, Imugene will farewell non-executive director Charles Walker who will vacate the role on June 30.
Walker has played an integral role for Imugene since August 2014, offering invaluable insight and counsel, including during his stint as CEO.
Expressing his gratitude, Hopper lauded Walker's contribution, saying, "I’d like to thank Charlie for his guidance and efforts over almost a decade that he’s been involved with Imugene and wish him all the best with his ongoing initiatives and business interests."