ValiRx PLC, a life science company focused on early-stage cancer therapeutics and women's health, has appointed Stella Panu as non-executive director.

With over 20 years’ experience in corporate finance and investment management, Stella’s expertise will support the ValiRx Board and senior management team to unlock investment potential and accelerate and manage business growth for the company.

In her role, she will also oversee ValiRx’s M&A activity, advising on corporate structure and governance, risk management, and shareholders’ rights.

Stella was a founding partner of investment management company, Maven Capital Partners UK LLP, where she was the lead investor in private equity before taking the business through to its sale in 2021.

She has held investments in private equity and AIM quoted companies, and non-executive director positions at several companies including The GP Service and GENinCode_Predictive Genetics. She is currently non-executive director at Vianet Group Plc, an international provider of real time monitoring systems and data management services.

Of Stella’s appointment, Dr Suzy Dilly, ValiRx CEO, says: “We are delighted to formally welcome Stella to the ValiRx board. With years of experience on the boards of various companies, Stella is highly skilled at providing expert guidance to unlock investment potential and encourage business growth. I look forward to working closely with Stella, using her expertise to help guide the implementation of our ambitious growth strategy.”

Stella trained at PwC whilst completing her MA in Applied Economics and Statistics at the Institute of Advanced Studies, and went on to build her early career in M&A and investments at Raiffeisen Investment Fund, Aberdeen Asset Management, and Seymour Pierce Ltd.

“I am really pleased to be joining ValiRx to help enable the company to execute its plans for strong growth,” Stella says. “Suzy’s passion and vision for ValiRx’s future is incredibly inspiring, and I am excited to draw on my investment management skills and experience from a range of areas, including biotechnology, manufacturing, and green technology, to help maximise the short- and long-term value of ValiRx’s M&A activity, and support relationships with our shareholders.”

ValiRx recently bolstered its drug discovery and therapeutic expertise with the appointment of Dr Cathy Tralau-Stewart as its Interim Chief Scientific Officer (CSO).

For more information, visit: https://www.valirx.com/