Croda International, the Snaith, East Yorkshire-based speciality chemicals giant, said on Friday it appointed Julie Kim of Takeda Pharmaceutical as a non-executive director, effective September 1, to support its “strategic plans to build our life sciences business and brand.”

Croda said: “Julie has over 25 years of experience in international leadership positions in the healthcare industry, and is currently President, Plasma-Derived Therapies at Takeda Pharmaceutical, a global, values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical leader headquartered in Japan.

“Her geographic experience covers both global and regional roles, focused on Europe, Asia and Latin America.  

“Prior to joining Takeda in 2019, Julie’s previous executive positions included roles such as Head of International Market Access and Global Franchise Head of multiple therapeutic areas at Shire, Baxalta and Baxter. 

“Julie also sits on the industry board for the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association and started her career in healthcare consulting.

“On joining the Croda Board, Julie will also be appointed to the Audit, Nomination and Remuneration Committees.”

Croda International chair Anita Frew said: “I am delighted to welcome Julie to the Croda board. 

“Julie’s outstanding healthcare sector experience, her strong P&L experience, and commercial R&D and manufacturing knowledge will be of enormous benefit to Croda. 

“She also brings even greater diversity to the board, in terms of gender, ethnicity, nationality and tenure, as well as her tremendous skills and experiences as a serving executive.

“Her appointment to the board supports our strategic plans to build our life sciences business and brand. 

“With our focus on drug, vaccine and crop delivery systems, Julie is ideally placed to help deliver our ambition in these fast-growing markets.”