Bayer welcome new communications chief

Bayer has welcomed a new head of communications with the appointment of Michael Schade who will take responsibility of the firm’s global communication activities.

The announcement also marks the departure of current communications chief Heiner Springer who starts his pre-retirement leave after 22 years in his current post.

Mr Schade joined Bayer as head of publications in 1980 after working in various positions across daily newspapers, magazines and radio.

In 1994, he was appointed head of corporate policy (later titled head of corporate police and media relations) where he has had responsibility for coordinating international public relations.

Dr Michael Preuss will succeed Mr Schade, moving from his current role as head of media and public relations at Robert Bosch in Stuttgart.

Meanwhile, Mr Springer is to retire after working for Bayer for 35 years, taking his first post in the public relations department in 1972.

Earlier this month, marketing authorisation was granted to Bayer for its cancer-fighting drug Nexavar (sorafenib) in Japan.

Priority review status has been awarded for the product, which is used in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.