Simon Lowth joined AstraZeneca as an Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer in November 2007. In this role he is responsible for Finance and Information Services.

Simon joins AstraZeneca from Scottish Power PLC where he was Finance Director following two years as Executive Director, Corporate Strategy and Development. Simon was a key member of the team that drove the strategic transformation of Scottish Power. He played a critical role in the sale of the US subsidiary to Berkshire Hathaway, the rejection of the E.On bid in 2005, and the negotiation of the successful bid from Iberdrola S.A. in November 2006. As Finance Director, he led Scottish Power's group-wide performance and risk management processes, delivering strong EPS growth through business development and tight cost control. Simon left Scottish Power in May 2007 following completion of the sale to Iberdrola.

Simon's move to Scottish Power in 2003 followed 15 years' experience with the global management consultancy, McKinsey & Company, latterly as a senior Director responsible for the firm's UK Industrial Practice. At McKinsey, Simon advised leading multi-national companies on a wide range of strategic, financial and operational issues.

Simon has an engineering degree from Cambridge University and an MBA from London Business School. He is married to Hélène, has four young children and is a keen sportsman (field hockey, competitive middle distance runner).