Gilead Sciences’ commercial operations head to retire

Gilead Sciences has announced that Kevin Young, its executive vice-president for commercial operations, will be retiring from the company on February 4th 2014.

Mr Young took charge of the company's global commercial operations in 2004 and has overseen the launch of eight new therapies, including the first single-tablet HIV treatment regimen, which has become the top-selling brand-named HIV product in the US and EU.

Additionally, he has worked to prepare the firm for the introduction of a novel oral antiviral for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, helped to expand its geographical reach and played a key role in its significant growth over the last decade.

He will continue to work directly with Gilead’s management team as a senior advisor following his retirement.

Dr John Martin, chairman and chief executive officer of Gilead Sciences, said: "I have deeply valued his insights and perspectives and look forward to a continued partnership as Kevin remains with Gilead in an advisory role."

This comes after the firm last month announced positive data from three phase III clinical trials of a promising new combination treatment for hepatitis C.