Celldex Therapeutics names new board chairman

Celldex Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company, has appointed Larry Ellberger as its new board chairman. Charles Schaller will remain on the board as a director for the remainder of his term.

Mr Ellberger has been an independent member of the Celldex board of directors since the merger in March 2008 between Celldex and Avant Immunotherapeutics and was a member of the Avant board since 2003.

During his 30 years in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, Mr Ellberger had served as board member and CEO of PDI, chairman of the board of Omrix Biopharmaceuticals (which was purchased by Johnson & Johnson in 2008), as well as held senior executive positions at WR Grace & Company, American Cyanamid Company and Powderject. In addition to his current position as founding partner of HVA, a healthcare transaction advisory firm, Mr Ellberger is a director of TransPharma Medical and the Jewish Children’s Museum.

Mr Ellberger will remain as a member of the audit committee of the board of directors, with George Elston as the chairman of the audit committee.

Anthony Marucci, president and CEO of Celldex, said: “Chuck has provided Celldex with tremendous leadership over the years as its chairman and we look forward to his continued guidance as a member of our board. We welcome Larry in his new role as chairman. As a board member, Larry has been deeply involved in the recent growth and success of Celldex. His experience within our industry will be critical as we advance our product portfolio.”