Sanofi names new president of Sanofi Espoir Foundation

Sanofi has announced the appointment of Xavier Darcos as the new president of the Sanofi Espoir Foundation.

Mr Darcos is a renowned French academic, civil servant and politician, and has been selected as the successor to Jean-Francois Dehecq, whose term in office has come to an end.

Founded in 2010, the Sanofi Espoir Foundation works to reducing inequalities in health and poverty, an issue that places a significant strain on the development of many of the world's poorer countries.

At the end of 2014, the Foundation coordinated 58 development aid programmes in 41 countries, focusing on the reduction of childhood cancer, combating maternal and neonatal mortality, and improving access to healthcare in defenceless communities.

Dr Olivier Brandicourt, chief executive officer at Sanofi, said: "I am convinced that Xavier Darcos will continue with the work already accomplished. The task remains huge, since the needs for prevention and for access to care and information are significant in the field of global health."

The company was included in 2015's Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for the ninth consecutive year in September.