Infinity names Perkins chief executive

By Robert Weisman, Globe Staff

Cambridge biotechnology company Infinity Pharmaceuticals Inc. has named Adelene Q. Perkins as its chief executive.

Perkins, who is now president and chief business officer, will move into his new position Jan. 1, when she will also join Infinity's board of directors, according to the company. Company founder and current chief executive, Steven H. Holtzman, will continue to work full time as executive chairman of its board, Infinity said.

After starting her career at the consulting firm Bain & Co., Perkins worked for Genetics Institute and TransForm Pharmaceuticals before joining Infinity. The nine-year-old company is developing drugs to treat cancer and related conditions.