Abingworth Appoints Tim Haines and Kurt von Emster as Joint Managing Partners

LONDON, July 7, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

Abingworth, the international investment group dedicated to life sciences and healthcare, today announced that Tim Haines and Kurt von Emster, have been appointed as joint Managing Partners of Abingworth. Stephen Bunting, who has held the Managing Partner role since 2002, will become Chairman of Abingworth. These changes will take place with immediate effect.

Tim has been a Partner in Abingworth's London office since 2005. He has significant operating experience as a CEO in private and public companies including as CEO of Astex (a former Abingworth portfolio company). Kurt von Emster joined Abingworth as a Partner in January 2015. Based in Menlo Park, he brings over 25 years of experience investing in private and public life sciences companies. Kurt co-founded venBio, a US healthcare investment firm and, prior to that, was at MPM Capital and Franklin Templeton.

Stephen Bunting will retain an active role in the firm and continue in a full-time capacity. As Chairman he will work closely with Tim and Kurt, particularly in the next few months, to ensure a smooth transition.

"I think the new and younger leadership will build on all that has been achieved to date with new insights and energy. Tim and Kurt have complementary skills and I believe they will take the firm to the next stage of development within the life sciences investment sector," said Stephen Bunting.

Notes for Editors 

About Abingworth 

Abingworth is an international investment group dedicated exclusively to the life sciences and healthcare sector. Founded in 1973, Abingworth has a lengthy track record of backing market leading companies. Abingworth has a specialist team of 26 professionals with a broad range of skill sets and access to an extensive network of industry contacts. Abingworth has funds under management of over $1.25 billion and offices in London, Menlo Park (California) and Boston.

To date, Abingworth has raised 15 funds including ten venture funds dedicated to investment in life sciences and healthcare. Successful investments have included Ablynx, Algeta, Alkermes, Alnylam, Amarin, Astex, Avila Therapeutics, Chiasma, Clovis Oncology, Fovea, Geltex, Genetic Therapy, Gilead, IDEC Pharmaceuticals, Intellikine, Novexel, Pharmion, PowderMed and Solexa. For a full list of Abingworth's portfolio companies please visit the website: http://www.abingworth.com