Takeda appoints new European CEO

Takeda has announced that Trevor Smith has been appointed as the new chief executive officer (CEO) of its Takeda Pharmaceuticals Europe division.

Mr Smith, who takes up the role as of today (April 1st 2011), is succeeding the retiring Dr Erich Brunn and will be responsible for overseeing the company's pan-European sales and marketing initiatives.

The new CEO has worked for Takeda for more than ten years, serving in roles such as UK managing director and vice-president of its new portfolio in Europe.

Prior to joining the company, he occupied key positions at fellow pharmaceutical company Servier and has accumulated extensive industry experience during a career spanning more than three decades.

Dr Frank Morich, executive vice-president for international operations at Takeda, said: "With Trevor's leadership and guidance, our European businesses will align their commercial strategies to ensure Takeda's continued growth and evolution in the region."

Earlier this week, the firm announced that it will be allying with Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma on the development of a new atypical antipsychotic agent, lurasidone hydrochloride.