Aexlis Therapeutics, a Spain-based biotech company, has named Dr Thomas Hecht as the chairman of its board of directors, it was reported on Friday.

In the new role, Hecht will support the company in establishing proof-of-concept for its HIV vaccine. His expertise includes leading value creation processes for stakeholders and deal making with pharmaceutical and biotech companies.

Dr Hecht has earlier served Amgen in various capacities between 1989 and 2002, including head of medical affairs and vice president of marketing at Amgen Europe. He presently serves as chairman of the supervisory board at Affined, chairman of the board of directors at Cell Medica and Vaximm.