This week’s roundup includes various high-level appointments by companies including Vencerx Therapeutics, which has elected a new CEO, Shield Therapeutics, Crescendo Biologics, Pluristem Therapeutics, Sarepta Therapeutics and Verona Pharma.

David Chiswell has worked tirelessly to build up the British biotech industry for over 30 years. Now, as CEO of Kymab, he is looking to the future of the industry and how to find the stars of the future.

Crescendo Biologics Ltd. has appointed Kevin Johnson non-executive chair of the board of directors – effective immediately. Johnson has 27 years' experience in antibody development and previously was CEO of Netherlands-based PanGenetics, an antibody development company. He also held various roles at Cambridge Antibody Technology, which eventually led to his appointment as research director and chief technology officer. Since 2003 he has been working in the life science team at Index Ventures.

Launched in fall 2012 via a partnership between Amgen and Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, the Bay Area biotech has three subsidiary companies housing six biologic assets that used to belong to Amgen. With two financing rounds this year totaling $58.5 million, three candidates are slated to enter the clinic by 2015.