Covance brings Scodari on board

Covance has announced that it has elected Joseph Scodari to its board of directors.

The global drug-developing giant revealed the appointment last week of the former vice chairman of the Biotechnology Industry Organisation board.

Covance’s chief executive and chairman, Joe Herring, said the company was "very pleased" to have Mr Scodari on the board as he had enjoyed a "distinguished 34-year career as a key leader in the industry".

Mr Scodari said: "I look forward to working with Joe and the esteemed group of board members to take advantage of the significant market opportunities in the drug development services industry and continue to drive the company’s growth."

He was recently the worldwide chairman of the Johnson & Johnson pharmaceuticals group where he led efforts to improve research and development productivity.

With its headquarters in New Jersey, Covance claims to be one of the world’s largest drug development services operating in 20 countries with annual revenues greater than £1.4 billion (£700 million).