Starpharma Hands the Chair to Russell Basser After 12 Years

Starpharma has finished its Board Chair transition, with Dr Russell Basser taking over from Rob Thomas AO after 12 years and David McIntyre stepping in as Deputy Chair.
By Josua Ferreira -
  • Dr Russell Basser is now Starpharma's Chair and Mr David McIntyre is Deputy Chair, effective from the close of the 2026 Annual General Meeting.
  • Mr Rob Thomas AO retired as Chair after 12 years, as announced on 1 October 2026.
  • Mr Thomas stays on as a non-executive director after shareholders approved it at the meeting, which keeps continuity on the board.
  • The handover follows the Petalion majority stake, which lifted Starpharma's holding in the FAP-targeted cancer program from 22.5% to 66%.
Summarise with AI:

Starpharma completes Chair transition as Dr Russell Basser takes the helm

Starpharma (ASX: SPL) advised on 6 November 2026 that Dr Russell Basser has assumed the role of Chair and Mr David McIntyre the role of Deputy Chair, effective from the close of the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The appointments follow the retirement of Mr Rob Thomas AO as Chair after 12 years of service, as previously announced on 1 October 2026.

Starpharma Board Leadership Transition Map

  • Chair: Dr Russell Basser
  • Deputy Chair: Mr David McIntyre
  • Effective: from the close of the 2026 AGM
  • Outgoing Chair: Mr Rob Thomas AO, retired after 12 years as Chair

Rob Thomas AO stays on as a Non-Executive Director

Mr Thomas will continue as a non-executive director, following shareholder approval at the AGM, supporting continuity and an orderly Chair transition.

The Board thanked Mr Thomas for his distinguished service and significant contribution to Starpharma as Chair.

The leadership handover lands shortly after the Petalion majority stake lifted Starpharma’s holding in the FAP-targeted oncology program from 22.5% to 66%, giving the incoming Board a larger operating footprint to oversee.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the new Chair of Starpharma?

Dr Russell Basser became Chair of Starpharma at the close of the 2026 Annual General Meeting, and Mr David McIntyre became Deputy Chair.

What does a company Chair do?

The Chair leads the board of directors, which oversees the company's management and strategy on behalf of shareholders.

Why did Rob Thomas leave the Starpharma Chair role?

Mr Rob Thomas AO retired as Chair after 12 years of service, as announced on 1 October 2026. He is staying on as a non-executive director.

When did the Starpharma Chair change take effect?

The change took effect from the close of the 2026 Annual General Meeting, and Starpharma confirmed it on 6 November 2026.

Josua Ferreira
By Josua Ferreira
Partnership Director
Josua Ferreira holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and Advertising and brings a background in publication, business development, and ASX market storytelling. He has worked with listed companies across the resource sector and broader market, combining sharp commercial instincts with a genuine commitment to keeping investors informed.
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