Amgen appoints new business development head

Amgen has announced the appointment of David Piacquad to the newly-created role of senior vice-president for business development.

Mr Piacquad will take responsibility for business development across Amgen, leading a new organisation combining the functions of the previously separate corporate development and external research and development groups.

He originally joined Amgen in June 2010 as vice-president for strategy and corporate development, while prior to this he held a number of important roles at Schering-Plough and Johnson and Johnson.

This comes at a time when the firm is seeking to find new ways of enhancing and integrating its business development capabilities to deliver better outcomes for patients and shareholders.

Robert Bradway, chairman and chief executive officer of Amgen, said: "This change reflects Amgen's increasing focus on harnessing external as well as internal innovation to ensure long-term growth for the company."

Earlier this year, the firm's chief financial officer Jonathan Peacock stepped down from his position and will be leaving Amgen in May 2014, with Michael Kelly assuming the role on an interim basis. A permanent successor is still being sought.