IVAX Diagnostics, Inc. (IVAX) has appointed Charles Struby as president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the company. In this role, Charles Struby replaces Paul F. Kennedy, who resigned from the company from such positions and also as chairman of the board of directors. IVAX has appointed Patrice Debregeas as its non-executive chairman of the board of directors. Debregeas previously served as non-executive vice chairman of the board of directors.
Kennedy continues to serve as a member of the board of directors of IVAX. Kennedy has also informed IVAX that he plans to maintain a large equity interest in the company.
Struby has more than 25 years of senior executive experience in the life sciences industry. In his last position, Struby served as senior director of business development of The Medicines Company, from 2006 through 2008. From 2005 through 2006, Struby served as general manager of Kansas City Operations of Harte-Hanks, Inc and as vice president of The Mattson Jack Group, Inc., a consulting firm focused on the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. From 1982 through 2004, Struby served Sanofi-Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (and its legacy companies), in a variety of senior executive roles, including various director and vice president positions. Prior to this, Struby practiced as a certified public accountant. Struby earned his B.S. in Business from Kansas State University, his M.S. in Accounting from Louisiana State University and his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Missouri at Kansas City.
Charles R. Struby said, “I am extremely excited about joining the IVAX Diagnostics team. I believe that IVAX Diagnostics is well positioned to successfully implement its strategic initiatives, including building upon its operating companies in the U.S. and Italy by expanding the menu of test kits that it offers. I expect that my experience, together with the experience and dedication of the other members of the IVAX Diagnostics team, will enable IVAX Diagnostics to successfully expand its product offerings and market reach. I look forward to the opportunity of making IVAX Diagnostics one of the leaders in the diagnostics industry.”