Board member Engelbert Tjeenk Willink to leave Boehringer

Engelbert Tjeenk Willink, member of the board of managing directors at Boehringer Ingelheim responsible for marketing and sales of prescription medicines, is to leave the German pharma company at the end of 2012.

He will be replaced by current head of established markets Allan Hillgrove, who takes over from January 1, 2013.

Tjeenk Willink has been in his current role since 2009, having originally joined Boehringer in 1994 as a medical director. Other positions he has held during his time at the company include head of marketing and sales in Canada, head of marketing for prescription medicines and country manager of Boehringer in Mexico.

Engelbert Tjeenk Willink (left) and Allan Hillgrove (right)

“We are sorry to see him go and wish him all the best in his future professional and personal life,” said Christian Boehringer, chair of the shareholders committee, and Professor Andreas Barner, chair of the board, in a joint statement.

“Tjeenk Willink has worked with passion and enthusiasm for Boehringer Ingelheim. In his various roles in Ingelheim and abroad, he contributed significantly to the positive development of the group.”

His replacement, Hillgrove, has been with Boehringer since 1982, and has been in his current role since 2010.

“In his various roles he has helped to set the course for sustained growth in recent years,” said Boehringer and Barner in their joint statement.

“Shareholders and board members are convinced that with this staffing arrangement the board of managing directors will be well equipped for the various challenges that lie ahead for Boehringer Ingelheim and the research-driven pharmaceutical industry worldwide."