Biogen Idec chief financial officer moves to MSD

Biogen Idec has announced the planned resignation of Peter Kellogg as executive vice president of finance and chief financial officer of the company, with Mr Kellogg to be employed in the same position at Merck, Sharp and Dohme (MSD).

Mr Kellogg will leave Biogen Idec on August 10th 2007, before his appointment at MSD four days later where he will replace Judy C Lewent and report directly to chairman, president and chief executive officer Richard T Clark.

At MSD, Mr Kellogg will be responsible for investor relations, corporate development and licensing and worldwide financial organisation and will also be charged with leading the company’s partnerships with DuPont and AstraZeneca.

James C Millen, president and chief executive officer at Biogen Idec, said: “Peter is a world-class financial executive who helped Biogen Idec grow our core therapeutic areas, execute several significant deals, and expand our global footprint.”

He thanked Mr Kellogg for his seven years of work at the firm and wished him luck with his new appointment at MSD.

Mr Kellogg expressed his pleasure at joining a firm respected throughout the pharmaceutical industry for its commitment to excellence.

He also articulated his anticipation of working with the “talented” management team and board at MSD as the firm looks to continue to improve its financial position.