Roche joins Blackmores
FORMER Australian Pharmaceutical Industries CEO Stephen Roche was today named as a new Director of Blackmores Limited, along with Erica Mann, whose most recent executive role was as Head of Bayer’s Global Consumer Health Division.
Blackmores Chair Anne Templeman-Jones said the appointments were effective immediately, with the pair to be eligible for election at the upcoming 2021 Blackmores Annual General Meeting which is scheduled for 27 Oct.
“We are delighted to welcome both Erica and Stephen to Blackmores,” she said.
“We look forward to them contributing their deep experience in natural health, the complementary medicine and pharmaceutical industries and the consumer healthcare market, to the Board and to Blackmores.
“Today’s announcement represents a key milestone in Blackmores board renewal process which commenced in Oct 2020.”
Templeman-Jones became the company’s Chair 12 months ago, following the milestone departure of former Executive Chairman Marcus Blackmore (PD 26 Oct 2020) who stepped down but remains a significant shareholder in the business.
Templeman-Jones said the Blackmores Board “now has the required skills and experience to fully support the execution of our transformation strategy, drive business performance and continue to create value for all shareholders”.
Roche, who is currently MD of Bridgestone Australia and NZ, was MD of API for 11 years, stepping down about four and a half years ago (TD 06 Oct 2016).
He’s also held senior executive roles at Mayne and Faulding, and is a non-executive director of Myer Family Investments, Baby Bunting and Adelaide Football Club.
Mann “brings significant expertise and understanding of complementary medicines and naturopathic principles,” Blackmores said, noting her experience as as Chair of the World Self-Medication Industry while she headed up Bayer Consumer Health.
She was also formerly MD ANZ for Wyeth and President of Pfizer Nutrition, and is now a nonexecutive director of Kellogg, Perrigo and Koninklikjke.
Mann has also held executive positions on the boards of the South African Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association, Medicines Australia and the International Association of Infant Food Manufacturers.