Sanofi appoints Genzyme head to executive committee

Sanofi has announced the appointment of Dr David Meeker, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of its subsidiary Genzyme, to its executive committee.

Dr Meeker will serve as executive vice-president for the Genzyme business as the firm prepares for a new phase of growth, supported by the forthcoming introduction of important new products.

He was appointed as CEO of Genzyme in November 2011 following the acquisition of Genzyme by Sanofi earlier that year, heading a new leadership team tasked with maximising Genzyme's expertise while leveraging Sanofi's scale and capabilities.

Christopher Viehbacher, CEO of Sanofi, said: "David has a deep knowledge of the rare diseases business and has developed a deep understanding of what physicians and patients need."

Dr Meeker has been handed this new role as Sanofi and Genzyme plan to launch two new therapies for relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis in Europe.

The drugs – Lemtrada and Aubagio – were both granted recommendations for approval from Europe's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use earlier this year.