BG Group Plc Hires AstraZeneca Plc’s CFO Simon Lowth

Lowth set to leave AstraZeneca plc (LON:AZN) and take role as chief financial officer at BG Group plc (LON:BG).

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AstraZeneca (LSE: AZN) (NYSE: AZN.US) chief financial officer Simon Lowth has agreed to move to BG Group (LSE: BG) (NASDAQOTH: BRGGY.US) in November 2013.

He will be appointed as an executive director as well as CFO, succeeding Den Jones who has been interim CFO and executive director since February. 

Lowth joined AstraZeneca in November 2007, and is responsible for Finance, Investor Relations and the firm’s business in Japan. He commented: 

“BG Group is an outstanding company in a sector that I know well and I look forward to working with the team to build on its successes and deliver on the opportunities in this next stage of its evolution.”

AstraZeneca’s chief executive officer, Pascal Soriot, said “Simon has made a significant and lasting contribution to AstraZeneca’s success, helping put the company on a stronger footing for the future”, while BG’s chief executive Chris Finlayson commented “Simon… brings with him a great combination of finance, capital allocation, value-based planning, portfolio management and strategy skills – critical skills as we execute our strategy to deliver long-term value to shareholders and focus on excellence in execution”. 

Shares in BG Group climbed over 1% in early trading, while AstraZeneca’s were little changed. Upon today’s announcement, Lowth highlighted  BG Group’s “exciting growth strategy”, which has seen its shares rise 345% in 10 years.

But if you’re looking for another company that should soar in price, we’ve pinpointed our favourite growth share and produced a special report in which we evaluate its finances, risks and growth prospects going forward. 

But hurry, as the company in question very recently surged over 10% in just one day! Simply click here to get your copy delivered to your inbox immediately — completely free.

> Sam does not own shares in any company mentioned.

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

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