Gilead appoints new chief operating officer

Gilead Sciences has announced the appointment of Kevin Young as its new chief operating officer.

Mr Young will assume responsibility for Gilead's worldwide commercial organisation, facilities and operations. He is returning to the company having previously served as executive vice-president of commercial operations from 2004 through 2014.

Since 2014, he has served as a senior advisor to the company, while prior to his time with Gilead, he spent more than 20 years serving in various roles in the biopharmaceutical industry. He was appointed a CBE in recognition of his services to the sector in 2011.

Dr John Milligan, president and chief executive officer at Gilead Sciences, said: "Kevin's knowledge of Gilead's business, all aspects of commercial operations and our therapeutic areas of focus, his commitment to operational excellence, and his leadership capabilities make him an obvious choice for the role of chief operating officer."

In addition to this appointment, Dr Martin Silverstein has been appointed executive vice-president for strategy, overseeing its corporate development, commercial planning and alliance management functions.

It has also been announced that Paul Carter, the company's executive vice-president for commercial operations, has decided to depart Gilead and pursue other opportunities.