Shire’s new chairman will be second only woman to lead a FTSE 100

Susan Kilsby, who has been on the board at Shire since leaving a career in investment banking in 2011, has stepped into the position of chairman, making her one of only two women who lead companies listed in the FTSE 100.

Matthew Emmens, the present chairman stepping down, said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" over ten years with Shire and that Kilsby makes the "ideal chairman".

"On behalf of all the board, I would like to thank Matt Emmens for his many contributions to Shire during the last decade.

"Susan will build on the strong current board dynamics and will make an excellent chairman."

David Kappler, deputy chairman, senior independent non-executive director, and chairman, nomination committee, Shire.

Shire also announced, on January 24th, that it had completed the merger of ViroPharma with one of its subsidiaries.