Takeda appoints new chief financial officer

Takeda has announced the appointment of Francois-Xavier Roger as its new chief financial officer (CFO), taking responsibility for the integration and leadership of finance functions across the group.

Mr Roger's most recent role was that of CFO at Millicom International Cellular, a leading digital player and mobile telecom company that has experienced significant growth in emerging markets, thanks in part to his contributions.

Prior to this, he was also previously employed by Sanofi and Danone, meaning he can boast significant experience of serving in financial leadership positions at world-class companies in the pharmaceutical and consumer product sectors.

Yasuchika Hasegawa, president and chief executive officer of Takeda, said: "I am confident he will contribute substantially to the realisation of our mid-term growth strategy as he leads our finance functions to a new phase of globalisation."

This comes in the same week that the company announced that it will be allying with Zinfandel Pharmaceuticals to launch a phase III trial of a new Alzheimer's disease therapy.