Daniel Vasella is stepping down as CEO of Novartis to allow Joe Jimenez to takeover the role. Vasella has been CEO for 14 years, and chairman for 11 of those. A succession plan began in 2008 and Vasella’s move completes the process.
Jimenez joined Novartis in 2007 having previously worked at Heinz and in private equity. Vasella will continue as chairman of Novartis. Veteran Novartis officer Joerg Reinhardt, who joined Sandoz in 1982, was beaten to the CEO role and will now leave the company.
Andreas Rummelt and Thomas Wellauer have also left Novartis. David Epstein, current head of the oncology business, will now lead Novartis’ pharmaceuticals division.
Through restructuring Novartis has eliminated the positions of chief operating officer (COO), head of corporate affairs and head of group quality/technical operations.
Shionogi Pharma has appointed Ray Russo as vice president (VP), primary care business unit. Russo has more than 25 years experience with Schering-Plough, most recently as global VP marketing, cardiovascular franchise.
Hui Shao has joined China Aoxing Pharmaceutical Company as chief financial officer. Early in his career Shao worked as a scientist at Roche before moving into accounting, private investment and strategic business development on Wall Street.
Antares Pharma has named Pavan Handa as senior VP of business development. Handa has more than 20 years in the biotech industry with companies including Noven Pharmaceuticals, Pharmacologics and Enzon Pharmaceuticals.
Garen Bohlin has been appointed as executive VP of Constellation Pharmaceuticals. Bohlin has worked in biotech for 25 years, most recently as COO of Sirtris Pharmaceuticals.