The board of a pioneering biotech firm is undergoing a major shake-up with its co-founder retiring from her senior role.

Professor Susan Kingsman will step down from her position as chief scientific officer and executive director of Oxford Biomedica, while her partner, Professor Alan Kingsman, will move from chief executive to chairman.

Current non-executive director Dr Peter Johnson will retire with Dr Mike McDonald moving from chief medical officer to chief executive.

Alan Kingsman said: "I look forward to working with Mike, as we take Oxford BioMedica to its next stage of corporate and commercial success."

Mr Johnson added: "It has been a great pleasure being part of the team at Oxford BioMedica that has seen the company progress from an early-stage research organisation to become a leading UK biopharmaceutical company."

Oxford Biomedica, based at the Oxford Science Park, is set to launch its first cancer drug, TroVax, for the treatment of advanced kidney cancer in about 18 months time.

The product has also been successfully tested on bowel and prostate cancer sufferers.

Dr Stuart Naylor, currently senior vice president, research and development, will take Susan Kingsman's place on the board. She will continue to work for the company she helped set up in 1995 as a senior scientific consultant.

Nick Rodgers, the company's senior independent director, will step up to become deputy chairman.

The changes will take effect on July 1.