Exscientia fires CEO after probe over relationship with two employees

Exscientia

13/02/2024 13:52

Feb 13 (Reuters) - British biotech Exscientia Plc
 EXAI.O  said on Tuesday it had dismissed CEO Andrew Hopkins
after an investigation found that his relationship with two
employees was "inconsistent with the company's standards and
values".
    Hopkins will be also be removed from his role on the board
effective immediately, the company said in a regulatory filing. 
    Exscientia said a special committee of its board had engaged
an outside counsel to look into Hopkins' conduct. 
    The company said Chairman David Nicholson resigned from the
board on Feb. 12 after it was discovered during the
investigation that Nicholson had prior knowledge about one of
Hopkins' relationships.
    Hopkins and Nicholson could not be immediately reached for
comments.  
    The CEO termination is unrelated to operational or financial
performance, Exscientia said, adding it was not in a position to
provide comment beyond the filing.
    Chief Science Officer Dave Hallett was named as the interim
CEO, while director Elizabeth Crain was appointed as chairman on
also on an interim basis. 
    
   

 (Reporting by Bhanvi Satija and Khushi Mandowara in Bengaluru;
Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila)
 ((Bhanvi.Satija@thomsonreuters.com; Outside U.S. +91
9873062788;))