Sanofi business Genzyme appoints new UK general manager

Sanofi's subsidiary business Genzyme has announced the appointment of Brendan Martin as its new general manager for the UK and Ireland.

Mr Martin has been appointed as the successor to Paul Drohan, who is leaving the company after a 17-year spell and will be returning to Canada to pursue new opportunities.

The new UK boss has been with Genzyme since 2002 and played a key role in establishing and developing its lysosomal storage disorders business in Ireland, before earning him a number of promotions.

In his new role, he will be tasked with helping the business to build on its expertise in the rare inherited diseases and multiple sclerosis fields as part of the wider Sanofi organisation.

Robin Kenselaar, head of Genzyme's European operations, said: "In his Genzyme career to date, Brendan has shown he is a leader with the experience, energy, vision and commitment to patients needed to move us forward."

Last month, Sanofi and Genzyme reported positive phase III trial data for their new multiple sclerosis therapy Aubagio, which has been studied among a patient group of more than 5,000 people to date.