Benchmark Holdings PLC (LON:BMK) has appointed the corporate development director of veterinary pharmaceuticals firm Dechra Pharmaceutical PLC (LON:DPH) as its chief financial officer.

Septima Maguire will start her new role at Benchmark in November, replacing Mark Plampin, who will remain at the aquaculture health business until January to ensure a smoothe transition.

Maguire held a number of senior roles at Dechra during her four years at the company. She joined the group as financial controller and was acting finance director between 2016 and 2017.

In her most recent role as corporate development director, she was responsible for overseeing acquisition activities, strategic projects, business development and investment initiatives.

She has also held finance roles at packaging manufacturer Ardagh Group S.A., Impress Global, CHN Capital and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

"We are delighted to have recruited someone of Septima's calibre. She has extensive strategic, investor and operational finance experience and proven expertise in driving improved business performance,” said Benchmark chief executive Malcolm Pye.

“She will be a valuable member of the leadership team as we focus on implementing structural and operational efficiencies and delivering on our five year strategy to drive future growth and profitability."