Appointment of Susan Taylor as Non-executive Director

Renovo Group plc (LSE: RNVO), the biopharmaceutical company developing drugs for the reduction of scarring and acceleration of healing is pleased to announce, with immediate effect, the appointment of Susan Taylor, aged 61, as a Non-executive Director of the Company.

Susan Taylor has more than 37 years experience in the cosmetic industry and has worked with brands during corporate ownership of BAT, Beecham and Unilever PLC.  She was until recently Vice President International Communications for Elizabeth Arden, the global prestige beauty products company, responsible for media, Public Relations and CSR programmes.  She left Elizabeth Arden in July 2008 to establish her own consulting business.

Susan graduated from Sussex University in 1970 and then spent 20 years with the Yardley Group, initially with responsibility for marketing and training in South America, Asia and Eastern Europe. She later became Global Creative Controller and  Marketing Controller for Yardley brands, as well as General Manager for the UK and Ireland. In 1992 she joined Elizabeth Arden as Managing Director for UK, Ireland and the Nordic region for 7 years. She has had considerable experience of launching new products across the Fragrance, Cosmetic and Skincare categories, within the prestige sector.  She led the 2005 launch of the cosmeceutical anti-aging product “Prevage” in the UK and Ireland, which was a joint venture with Allergan.

In 2006, she was promoted to VP International Communications to provide strategic leadership across Arden’s International markets for media and PR opportunities.  In 2004, COPRA, the UK Retail Association, awarded her the Gordon Whitehead award, the first female Managing Director recipient, for her passion and efforts in working with retailers to develop mutually beneficial business.  In 2005 Cosmetic Executive women (CEW) honoured her with an Achiever Award for her contribution to the Beauty Industry and particularly in mentoring and developing young talent.

Susan is Chairman and founding member of “Look Good...Feel Better”, the Beauty Industry’s charity, supporting women with cancer.  She is also on the Advisory Board and a founder member of CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women). 

Commenting on this announcement, Rodger Pannone, Chairman of Renovo, said:

"I am delighted that Susan has been appointed as a Non-executive Director and welcome her to the Board.   I am sure Susan's experience of the cosmetic industry will be of significant benefit to Renovo as it develops its unique pipeline of first-in-class drug candidates to improve scar appearance and enhance wound healing.