19 January 2012 - Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd, the European subsidiary of Japan's Astellas Pharma Inc (TYO:4503), named Mike Crooks as general manager of its UK unit, Astellas Pharma Ltd.

Crooks has been working at Astellas Pharma Ltd since December 2007. He has held the positions of marketing director and sales and marketing director for specialist brands.

Crooks will be in charge of managing and expanding Astellas' UK operations with a special focus on transplantation, urology, dermatology, anti-infectives, pain management and oncology.