ROCKVILLE, Md. — Peter Greenleaf, chief executive officer of Sucampo Pharmaceuticals Inc., has been appointed as chairman of the board.

Peter Greenleaf

Sucampo said late Tuesday that Greenleaf, the company’s CEO and a board member since March 2014, is slated to take the reins as chairman on Jan. 1. He succeeds Dan Getman, who has served as chairman since March 2014.

“This appointment reflects the board’s confidence in Peter and underscores his accomplishments as CEO since joining Sucampo last year,” stated board member John Johnson, who has been named lead independent director. “Under Peter’s leadership, Sucampo successfully completed the acquisition of R-Tech Ueno, solidified the company’s revenue base and improved its financial position, creating opportunities for continued growth.”

Plans call for Getman, who has served as a director of Sucampo since 2011, to continue on the board and serve as chairman of the nominating and corporate governance committee, taking over that role from Johnson.

Sucampo also announced that Kei Tolliver has stepped down from the board.  Sucampo’s first full-time employee, she previously served in several roles with Sucampo from 1998 to 2008 and had served as a director of Sucampo since May 2013.

“I want to thank Dan for his contributions as chairman, and I would like to congratulate John on his new role,” Greenleaf commented. “I look forward to Dan and John’s continued leadership and guidance as members of the board. On behalf of the board, I would also like to thank Kei for her service to the Company since its inception and her recent contributions as a member of the board.”