Celgene appoints SVP for corporate affairs and market access

Celgene has appointed Richard Bagger as its new senior vice-president (SVP) for corporate affairs and strategic market access, effective as of next month.

Mr Bagger, who will take up the role on January 30th 2012, is a veteran in the pharmaceuticals and public affairs spheres, having served in key roles at Pfizer and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey.

Most recently, he acted as chief of staff for New Jersey governor Chris Christie and has also previously served as a US state senator, allowing him to offer an informed perspective on a variety of issues.

The role of SVP for corporate affairs and strategic market access has been newly created by Celgene as it seeks to support and reinforce its global expansion plans.

Robert Hugin, chairman and chief executive officer of Celgene, said: "We believe he will add a vital perspective to our business as we advance our science and novel therapies into new areas of medicine around the world."

This comes after the company opened a newly expanded UK base of operations at Stockley Park in London last month.