Achiko AG Strengthens Senior Team with Appointment of Head of Corporate Development

Rhea-AI Summary

Achiko AG has appointed David Hodge as the new Head of Corporate Development as of January 21, 2022, succeeding Christophe Laurent, who will retire on January 31, 2022. Hodge, a seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience across various sectors, including healthcare and technology, will focus on enhancing Achiko's corporate presence in Switzerland and oversee corporate affairs. His appointment comes as the company prepares for CE Mark registration of its Covid-19 rapid test, AptameX™, expected in Q1 2022, signaling a strategic move towards commercialization efforts beyond Indonesia.

Positive

• David Hodge brings over 30 years of strategic and corporate development experience.
• Hodge's role may enhance Achiko's corporate presence and investor relations.
• The company is preparing for CE Mark registration for its Covid-19 rapid test, AptameX™, indicating a move towards expansion.

Negative

• Departure of Christophe Laurent may lead to continuity concerns in the company's strategic direction.

• Achiko AG appoints David Hodge to the role of Head of Corporate Development in Switzerland
  
• David Hodge will oversee Corporate Affairs, and Strategic and Corporate Development
• Board Director Christophe Laurent to retire at month end
  

ZURICH, Switzerland, Jan. 27, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR – Achiko AG (OTCQB: ACHKF) (SIX: ACHI; ISIN CH0522213468) (“Achiko”, the “Company”) is pleased to announce the appointment of strategic and corporate development executive David Hodge to the position of Head of Corporate Development and announces the retirement of Christophe Laurent as Board Director.  

Mr. Hodge brings over 30 years’ experience as a C-suite executive including Australia’s then largest private equity firm (SBC Capital Partners), global investment banking (UBS), global manufacturing (Amcor) and industrial services businesses (Worley), and technology software businesses, with a focus on shareholder value creation. His broad sector experience includes healthcare, manufacturing, technology, and banking and finance.

He has been a strategic and corporate development advisor to world leading companies on business transformation and strategic challenges in emerging and developed markets, with a focus on profitable strategic growth. Clients have included ADM, Allnex, Amcor, AMVIG, Bayer, BTG, Campbells, Cornelius, Countrywide, Graphic Packaging International, MedHealth, NCO, Neovia, Nexans, Nine, SATS, SGH, Smith Group, Sumitomo, TGI Fridays, West Pharmaceutical, and Worley.

Previously, Mr. Hodge led major capital raisings in Australia, Hong Kong, China, Southeast Asia, USA, and Europe. He has led global strategic projects on every major continent and implemented numerous M&A projects worldwide. Mr. Hodge has served as a Director and Chairman of public listed and private companies in Asia Pacific. He holds a Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Laws from Monash University in Australia.

Mr. Hodge is responsible for the development of Achiko’s corporate presence especially in Switzerland, including for all matters regarding the development of the Board, corporate finance, and investor relations in its transformation to a world class diagnostics company.

Mr. Hodge started his role as Head of Corporate Development on January 21, 2022.

As previously announced, Board Director Christophe Laurent will retire on January 31, 2022. The Company will appoint a replacement for Mr. Laurent on or before the Annual General Meeting.

“As the Company pursues CE Mark registration for our affordable, non-invasive Covid-19 rapid test AptameX™ in Q1 2022, we are excited to welcome Mr. Hodge to our senior team. His rich strategic and corporate development experience will bring a new dimension to Achiko as we prepare for commercialization beyond Indonesia,” said Achiko CEO Steven Goh. “In addition, the Board of Directors is grateful for the efforts of Mr. Laurent, and I would like to thank him personally as his broad contributions across the company helped grow Achiko to where we are today.”

ABOUT ACHIKO AG
Achiko AG (OTCQB: ACHKF; SIX: ACHI.SW; www.achiko.com) is developing disruptive diagnostic solutions that puts people first. The company’s lead product is a rapid, reliable Covid-19 test with a companion app offering a user-friendly digital health passport. The test and companion app were launched in Indonesia in mid-2021 and an application for CE Mark approval in Europe will be submitted in 2022.

Achiko creates and develops aptamer-based diagnostics through its biotechnology division, AptameX™ and companion health apps via its digital mobile health technology division, Teman Sehat™. The AptameX DNA aptamer tests can be rapidly chemically synthesized, are cost-effective and have wide potential across multiple disease diagnostics. Leveraging AptameX and Teman Sehat, Achiko aims to deliver fast, accurate and affordable diagnostic testing for a range of pathogenic diseases and therapeutic indications in the rapidly evolving healthcare diagnostics field.

Headquartered in Zurich, Achiko has offices in Hong Kong, Jakarta, Seoul, and Singapore.

Media contacts:

ACHIKO AG
Investor Relations
E: ir@achiko.com

Switzerland & Global
Marcus Balogh
Farner Consulting Ltd.
E: achiko@farner.ch
T: +41 44 266 67 67

U.S. & Global
Jeanene Timberlake
RooneyPartners
E: jtimberlake@rooneypartners.com
T: +1 646 770 8858

Disclaimer
This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Achiko AG and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance, or achievements of Achiko AG to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Achiko AG is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

FAQ

What is the role of David Hodge at Achiko AG?

David Hodge has been appointed as the Head of Corporate Development, overseeing Corporate Affairs and Strategic Development.

When did David Hodge start his role at Achiko AG?

David Hodge started his role on January 21, 2022.

What significant change is happening in Achiko AG's board?

Christophe Laurent, a Board Director, will retire on January 31, 2022.

What are Achiko AG's plans regarding the Covid-19 rapid test?

Achiko is pursuing CE Mark registration for its Covid-19 rapid test, AptameX™, expected in Q1 2022.

What experience does David Hodge bring to Achiko AG?

David Hodge brings over 30 years of experience in strategic and corporate development across multiple sectors, including healthcare and technology.