Sanofi’s global operations head to retire

Sanofi has announced that Hanspeter Spek, its president of global operations, will be stepping down from his position in mid-2013.

Mr Spek joined the organisation as a marketing director in 1985 and worked his way through positions of escalating responsibility, reaching his current position in November 2009.

He has been considered instrumental in the company's evolution and an inspirational leader, as well as contributing to the success of flagship products such as Plavix, Lantus and Taxotere.

A succession plan will be announced in due course, with Mr Spek to retain his role as chairman of the supervisory board of Sanofi during a transitional period.

Christopher Viehbacher, chief executive officer of Sanofi, said: "With the group now having an outlook of long-term sustainable growth, I would like to sincerely thank Hanspeter for his leadership, commitment and energy and wish him the very best for the future."

This comes after the company appointed Dr Gary Nabel as its new chief scientific officer earlier this month.