OXFORD, England, January 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Syntaxin, a biotechnology company developing novel biopharmaceuticals to control cell secretion, today announced Dr Russell G. Greig, Ph. D., has been appointed as Chairman with immediate effect.

In joining Syntaxin, Dr. Greig brings with him over 30 years experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with knowledge and expertise in research and development, business development and commercial operations. Prior to joining the company, Dr. Greig was President of SR One, GSK's Corporate Venture Group.

Dr. Greig spent the majority of his career at GlaxoSmithKline, where he held a number of positions including GSK's President of Pharmaceuticals International from 2003-2008 and Senior Vice President Worldwide in Business Development for R&D.

Dr Greig joined GSK in 1980 in the Discovery Unit of R&D and continued to progressively hold positions of responsibility with R&D over the next three decades. Dr Greig served as the Vice President and Director of Advanced Technologies in Genetics from 1993 to 1996, with special responsibility for managing collaborations with The Institute of Genomic Research and Human Genome Sciences. In this position, he played a central role in managing SmithKline Beecham's scientific and commercial relationship with Human Genome Sciences and TIGR and extending its network of genomic alliances to other pharmaceutical companies.

Since 2009, Dr. Greig has been a Director at Rib-X Pharmaceuticals; and a Director and Executive Chairman at Anaphore Inc. since June 2010. Dr Greig also serves as a Director at Genocea Biosciences, Inc and sits on the Board of Edinburgh BioQuarter Commercialisation Advisory Group. Dr. Greig holds a Bachelor of Science and Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Manchester, England and was a Fulbright Scholar.

Commenting on Dr Russell Greig's appointment, Dr Melanie Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Syntaxin, said: "I'd like to thank Andrew Sandham, who has been Chairman since the founding of Syntaxin five years ago, for his considerable contribution to the growth, development and success of the Company to date. Syntaxin is now at a transformational stage of its development. Russell's knowledge and experience, working with both big pharma companies and in supporting high growth emerging companies will be invaluable in maximising the potential of our innovative technology platform."

Dr. Greig said: "I look forward to joining Syntaxin as it enters a new stage in its growth strategy. Syntaxin has a novel technology platform with great potential. The recent fundraising established strong foundations for this exciting company. The commitment of its returning investors and the joining of new corporate investors is a testament to the quality of Syntaxin's management, business strategy and technology. I look forward to working with Melanie and the management team to maximise the value of Syntaxin's portfolio and technology platform.''