With a wealth of experience in the life sciences sector after working at Ernst and Young (EY) in a senior M&A role and as associate director M&A at Advanz Pharma, Mr Rooper will play a key role in the Kelso Pharma Group’s international expansion plans as it continues to identify growth opportunities across a number of regions.

Kelso Pharma is focused on bringing innovative, value added, specialty medicines to international healthcare markets, providing medicines that improve the lives of patients in a cost-effective and ethical manner. The company is growing through a blend of company and product acquisitions, partnerships and organic growth internationally.

Mr Rooper’s appointment as director of corporate development follows the acquisition of Italian specialty pharma company, Velit Biopharma, at the start of this year as well as a growing list of partnership deals across Europe as the business continues on its growth journey.

Kelso Pharma CEO Dr Tom Stratford said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome John to the Kelso Pharma team. John brings considerable experience in the life sciences sector and his extensive involvement in M&A will be invaluable as we continue to grow internationally.

“At Kelso Pharma, we have ambitious goals to bring in more products and continue to build our infrastructure across Europe and John joining the business is an important step on that journey.”

Mr Rooper added: “I’m thrilled to be joining the Kelso Pharma team. The business is ambitious, innovative, people focused and committed to growth on an international scale and I’m excited to be involved and play a big part in the team achieving its goals.”