Actelion nominates two new board members

Actelion has announced the nomination of Dr Jean-Pierre Garnier and Robert Bertolini as the newest members of its board of directors.

Dr Garnier is a highly respected industry veteran who spent seven years as the original chief executive officer of GlaxoSmithKline, playing a key role in establishing the firm following the merger of GlaxoWellcome and SmithKline Beecham.

Meanwhile, Mr Bertolini is a former chief financial officer of Schering-Plough and brings more than 20 years worth of high-ranking pharmaceutical executive experience to the company.

The election of both new board members will take place at Actelion's annual general meeting on May 5th 2011, with Dr Garnier set to become a vice-chairman as part of plans to have him succeed current chairman Robert Cawthorn in 2012.

Mr Cawthorn said: "We believe that both nominees are uniquely qualified to help Actelion realise the value inherent in its business."

Later this month, the company is to be honoured for its pioneering healthcare research by being presented with the Prix Hermes de l'Innovation award by the European Institute for Creative Strategies and Innovation.