Torbjörn Bjerke has moved on from Karolinska Development, stepping down from his position as chief executive and leaving board member Klaus Wilgenbus to take over as interim CEO. The changes were announced on September 30, 2014 and came into effect immediately.
Karolinska Development, which was formed in 2006 as the commercialisation arm of the Swedish Karolinska Institute, has initiated the search for a new permanent chief executive.
The executive changes also hail more fundamental changes in the company. Karolinska is looking at changing its governance structure, and is conducting an in-depth review of its strategy and portfolio.
Wilgenbus had served on the company’s board since 2012, and is an independent health care analyst and consultant. Bjerke became chief executive in 2011 and guided the company through its initial public offering. It has not been disclosed where is moving on to next.
Bo Jesper Hansen, chairman at Karolinska Development, said: “We are happy that Klaus has accepted to become acting CEO of Karolinska Development until a permanent CEO is in place. Klaus has not only an extensive experience of many areas within the life science industry in general but also a deep knowledge of our company after his time as member of the board. We are convinced that Klaus will take the immediate necessary steps in the final development and execution of a new strategy for our company. The board would also like to express its gratitude to Torbjörn Bjerke for his commitment and loyalty to Karolinska Development since the company was listed in 2011.”
