Since joining Roche in 2000 Groeger has held a variety of manufacturing positions at their sites in Europe.
He is succeeding Dr. Frank Cox at the Florence plant, who has taken the role of managing director for Roche's Clarecastle, Ireland manufacturing facility.
US-based Adventrx has appointed Jose Hechavarria to the new position of vice president of manufacturing where he will be responsible for leading the company's planned commercial manufacturing operations.
Mr. Hechavarria has over 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry and has overseen all aspects of third-party contract manufacturing.
Over this period he has worked in senior positions at companies including Bristol-Myers Squibb, DuPont Pharmaceuticals and DuPont Merck Pharmaceutical Company.
Willy De Greef has been appointed secretary general of EuropaBio, the European Association for Bioindustries which brings together bioscience companies from all research and development, testing, manufacturing and distribution of biotechnology products.
Mr De Greef has a combination of biotechnology experience, European and international policy understanding and managerial skills.
ChemGenex, a company which researches genomic and proteomic technologies primarily for oncological applications, has appointed Luana Staiger to the post of vice president of regulatory affairs.
Ms Staiger has over 20 years experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry and has significant experience in regulatory affairs, quality assurance, and project management.
US-based Secure Symbology , a firm specializing in anti-counterfeiting measures for the pharmaceutical industry, has appointed Adam J. Fein to its board of advisors.
Dr Fein's has written numerous books and articles on distribution and the pharmaceutical supply chain.
Secure Symbology believe this will prove useful in advancing their e-pedigree compliance system, prior to January 1 2011 when e-pedigree becomes mandatory in California.
Novartis has appointed Ludwig Hantson to head its US pharmaceuticals business, replacing Alex Gorsky .
Mr Hantson has worked as head of Novartis' specialty pharmaceuticals unit in the US since December 2006.
Merck KGaA has appointed Dr Bernd Reckmann as its new general partner and member of the executive board with responsibility for the chemicals business sector.
Dr Reckmann began his career at Merck KGaA in 1986 and has held a variety positions within the company, including president of Merck KGaA in Korea.
Ron Kolker has been appointed to the position of senior vice president and chief financial officer of Taro Pharmaceuticals .
Mr Kolker has worked at Taro since 1994 and has held a number of roles within the companies finance department.
Alcan Packaging has appointed Michael Rubenstein to the newly created role of chief growth and innovation officer.
In this capacity Mr Rubenstein will be responsible for driving new growth platforms, innovation, marketing and customer partnership development, marketing communications and sustainability.
Javelin Pharmaceuticals , a developer of specialty pharmaceutical products for pain management, has appointed John Taylor as vice president, business development.
Mr Taylor was previously director of business development at Eurand where he led the North American team responsible for managing agreements involving pipeline products and drug delivery technologies.