Jeremy Maiden joins the board as a non-executive director today, with Simon Lowth taking up his role on 1 January.

Michel Demaré has been appointed chair-designate and will take over from Leif Johansson, who retires in April next year.

Sarin is currently CFO of US rare diseases specialist Alexion, which is in the process of being acquired by AstraZeneca in a $39bn deal.

The Investment Association has written warning letters to 32 “repeat offender” companies who saw revolts over the same issues for two years running.

Plans to broaden takeover rules should go much further, covering the impact of foreign investor-led deals on UK supply chains and skills base, says lobby group EEF.

Withholding of votes reaches peak level, sending a signal that shareholders are unhappy with S&P500 directors.

Almost 40% of AstraZeneca shareholders deliver a blow to the pharmaceuticals company, by voting against its annual remuneration report.