Sanofi names David Meeker as chief executive of Genzyme; Exelixis hires former Genentech exec

French drug major Sanofi (Euronext: SAN) has appointed David Meeker as chief executive of its USA-based biotech subsidiary Genzyme, effective November 1, 2011. He will report to Christopher Viehbacher, CEO of Sanofi, and will join the group management committee. Mr Viehbacher will retain the position of chairman at Genzyme.

“After working closely with David over the past six months, I am confident that he is the best person to lead Genzyme,” said Mr Viehbacher, noting that “David’s commitment to employees, physicians and patients has been a key success factor in the successful integration of Genzyme as part of the Sanofi Group. His combination of medical and business experience will be essential to move Genzyme’s broad portfolio of products forward and deliver much-needed therapies to patients.”

Under Dr Meeker’s leadership, Genzyme will incorporate the Rare Disease business and the Multiple Sclerosis franchise. Previous Genzyme divisions - Renal, Biosurgery and Oncology - have been integrated within the existing Sanofi portfolio giving them greater global scale and capabilities.