Biogen Idec appoints new director

Biogen Idec has announced the appointment of Nancy L Leaming to the board of directors of the company.

The firm reports that Ms Leaming is currently a board member at a number of firms, including the American Red Cross of Massachusetts, Edgewater Technology, the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation and Hologic, where she is also chair of the audit committee.

Ms Leaming has held a number of executive positions at healthcare coverage provider Tufts Health Plan, serving as president and chief executive officer of the company from 2003-2005.

She was employed as chief operating officer of the company from 1986 before being promoted to president and chief operating officer in 1997.

Biogen Idec states that during her tenure, Ms Leaming helped the firm become a nationally-recognised market leader with a strong corporate culture defined by patient safety, excellence of service and product innovation.

Bruce Ross, chairman of Biogen Idec, said: “With extensive experience in the healthcare sector, Nancy has the proven business and leadership skills to help Biogen Idec drive our strategic plan forward in the years ahead.”

He added that he is very pleased that Ms Leaming is joining the company’s board of directors.

Earlier this month, Biogen Idec gave a presentation at the JPMorgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco, with the firm predicting a strong cycle driving revenue growth of up to 20 per cent during the year.