DR John Stageman, from Altrincham, was handed an OBE in the Queen’s New Year honours list for his services to the UK biotechnology industry.

He was a leading scientist with pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca for about 30 years, joining the company when it was ICI, before retiring last year.

He held various senior research and development management roles within AstraZeneca during that time, and was instrumental in developing the company’s biopharmaceutical strategy.

In addition to his valued work for AstraZeneca, Dr Stageman has leadership roles in other organisations, including being a board member of North West Development Agency and chairman of BioNow, the cluster organisation supporting north west biohealth businesses.

He is also a member of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and honorary professor in Life Sciences at the University of Manchester.

A spokesman said: “AstraZeneca is delighted that John’s valued and important work over many years has been recognised in the honours list.”

Dr Stageman has been a scout leader in Altrincham for the past 20 years.