Key executive hires strengthen Polaris Group’s expanding leadership team and position the company for upcoming growth catalysts.
TAIPEI, Taiwan and SAN DIEGO, Calif., June 13, 2023 — Polaris Group (TWSE: 6550), a multinational biopharmaceutical company focused on research and development of novel biological drugs for cancer and other metabolic diseases, is proud to announce the appointment of Ken Chang, Ph.D., as Chief Strategy Officer and Hugh Yu, Ph.D., as Chief Operating Officer. These strategic additions to the executive team mark a significant step in Polaris Group’s expansion efforts and position the company for future growth and success.
Dr. Ken Chang joins Polaris Group as the Chief Strategy Officer, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the position. With an impressive background in biopharma companies, Dr. Chang has a proven track record in drug development and approval processes. He has demonstrated hands-on experience in various phases of discovery, development, validation, quality control, and regulatory submission. Dr. Chang’s innovative vision and technical prowess have resulted in groundbreaking contributions, including the co-invention of the DOCK-AND-LOCK™ platform technology and pioneering advancements in targeted drug delivery. His extensive career includes executive positions at IBC Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Immunomedics, Inc., where he combined technical expertise with project management skills.
“We are equally excited to welcome Ken Chang, Ph.D., as our new Chief Strategy Officer,” said Howard Chen, Chairman and CEO of Polaris Group. “Dr. Chang’s expertise and accomplishments in the biopharma industry make him an invaluable addition to our team. His strategic insights and experience will play a crucial role in driving Polaris Group’s long-term growth and innovation.”
Hugh Yu, Ph.D., who joined Polaris Group in 2021 as the COO of the Chengdu operation, will now take on the role of Chief Operating Officer for the entire organization. Dr. Yu’s distinguished career spans more than 16 years, showcasing his scientific strength and leadership in academic, startup biotech, process development, and commercial manufacturing. He has a proven track record in CMC management and manufacturing at leading biopharmaceutical companies, including BeiGene. Additionally, Dr. Yu’s completion of the Stanford GSB LEAD program and his experience as a journal reviewer bring valuable insights to the Polaris Group team.
“We are thrilled to introduce Hugh Yu, Ph.D., as our new Chief Operating Officer,” said Howard Chen, Chairman and CEO of Polaris Group. “Dr. Yu’s extensive experience in scientific leadership, process development, and manufacturing will be instrumental in optimizing our operations, driving efficiency, and supporting our growth objectives. His expertise and strategic mindset will greatly contribute to our continued success.”
These key executive appointments underscore Polaris Group’s commitment to building a robust leadership team capable of driving strategic initiatives and positioning the company for accelerated growth. With a top priority of obtaining BLA (Biologics License Application) approval and achieving a successful commercial launch, the combined expertise and diverse backgrounds of Dr. Chang and Dr. Yu will provide a strong foundation for Polaris Group’s continued success in the highly competitive biopharma landscape.