AstraZeneca has drafted in Roche COO Pascal Soriot as its new CEO.
The appointment is the result of a lengthy search for the firm, who has been without a permanent CEO since David Brennan’s swift departure in April.
Soriot joins the firm after working for Roche since 2010. In a statement, he said: "No one is blind to the challenges that confront the pharmaceutical sector and this company, but the underlying strengths of AstraZeneca in delivering on its strategy are clear."
Commentators are positive the move will be good for the firm, which has suffered a series of research and development (R&D) blows in recent years.
Golmann Sachs’ Keyur Parekh said: "Mr Soriot as head of Roche Pharma had always been a strong believer in innovation."
Aurobindo Pharma has promoted Ramprasad Reddy to the role of executive chairman of the its US subsidiary.
He takes the role after resigning as executive chair of the board in June.
The firm says the decision will help its growth plans for its operations in the States, which have seen a particular focus on manufacturing activities.
Reddy will also work with several of the Indian firm’s other subsidiaries, including APL Pharma Thai Limited, as well as Aurobindo Bio-Pharma and Aurobindo Tongling Pharmaceutical – both formerly Datong.
Hovione has named Conrad Winters as director of drug product development.
He joins the firm from Xenon Pharmaceuticals where he was senior director of the compound porperties group.
"His experience in particle engineering, solubilisation, drug product development, scale up and commercialisation will enable us to solve our customers' most challenging problems," said Thomas Eisele, VP of corporate R&D.
David Bardsley has become Cresset BioMolecular Discovery’s first sales director.
In his new role, he will lead the sales force in their bid to gain more clients for the software and tech provider which allows drugsmakers and developers to compare the molecular field characteristics of chemical compounds.
Previously, he worked as sales director for Synergy Health’s healthcare solutions division.
“I am pleased to be joining Cresset BioMolecular Discovery at such an exciting time in their growth strategy,” he said.
Horizon Discovery has named Richard Vellacott its new CFO.
Prior to joining the firm he was VP of finance at CSR. Darrin Disley, said: “As the company continues to expand, it is essential that we maintain a highly experienced executive team with the skills to deliver our growth objectives. Richard’s background is an ideal fit and I very much look forward to working with him.”
Transcept Pharmaceuticals has announced that Leone Patterson will become its new VP and CFO.
She takes over from Thomas Soloway, who was promoted to executive VP and COO earlier this year.
Patterson was previously VP and Corporate Controller, at data storage firm Net App.