Biogen Idec recruits R&D and corporate development chiefs following restructuring

After last November announcing a restructuring and refocusing of its therapeutic directions last year, US biotech firm Biogen Idec (Nasdaq: BIBB) yesterday revealed that it has recruited that Douglas Williams as executive vice president, R&D, and Steven Holtzman as executive VP, corporate development. Both will report to Biogen Idec chief executive George Scangos.

Dr Williams will oversee the company’s global R&D operation, including discovery research, development, clinical operations and regulatory affairs. Dr Williams has more than 20 years of scientific and senior leadership experience, most recently as CEO of ZymoGenetics, which was acquired by Bristol-Myers Squibb last year. In addition, he served as head of research and a member of the executive team at Immunex, where he played a significant role in the discovery and development of rheumatoid arthritis drug Enbrel (etanercept).

For his part, Mr Holtzman will oversee corporate strategy, business development, portfolio management, program leadership and the New Ventures fund. Mr Holtzman also brings more than 20 years of industry experience, most recently as founder, chairman and CEO of drug discovery firm Infinity Pharmaceuticals, of which he remains non-executive chairman. Prior to his time at Infinity, he served as chief business officer of Millennium Pharmaceuticals, where he led a series of ground-breaking alliances and acquisitions.