Novartis announces changes to board of directors

Novartis has confirmed a series of changes to its board of directors during its annual general meeting in Basel.

The firm's shareholders have elected Dr Enrico Vanni, former head of McKinsey and Company's European pharmaceutical practice, as a new member of the board for a three-year term.

Ann Fudge, Pierre Landolt and Dr Ulrich Lehner were re-elected to the board for a further three years, while Alexandre Jetzer-Chung and Hans-Joerg Rudloff are retiring after reaching the statutory age limit.

Dr Daniel Vasella, chairman of Novartis, also took the opportunity to hail the success of chief executive officer Joseph Jiminez in promoting innovation and commercial expansion since his election in February 2010.

"[He] has successfully continued this strategy and launched new initiatives to improve productivity. His nomination has proven to be right," said Dr Vasella.

Earlier this month, the company announced the appointment of Naomi Kelman as the new head of its over-the-counter business unit.