Sanofi has promoted Dr Paul Chew to senior VP, chief medical officer and head of global medical affairs, with effect from January 1, 2013.
Dr Chew, who is currently senior VP, chief science officer and chief medical officer at Sanofi’s US division, succeeds Jean-Pierre Lehner, who retires after more than 20 years with the French pharma company.
Paying tribute to Lehner, Sanofi CEO Christopher Viehbacher said: “Jean-Pierre dedicated his career to the well-being of patients and the success of the Group. Throughout his impressive and diversified career, Jean-Pierre has made significant and lasting contributions to improve public health and has been a key contributor to Sanofi’s success.”
His successor, Dr Chew, has been involved with Sanofi for 11 years, having joined Aventis Pharmaceuticals in 2001 as VP, global head of metabolism and diabetes, ahead of the company’s acquisition by Sanofi in 2004.
Dr Chew then went on to serve as president of US R&D and VP therapeutic department head, metabolism, diabetes and thrombosis between 2007 and 2009 before taking over his current position.
During his time at Sanofi, Dr Chew has been heavily involved in its growing diabetes business, holding responsibility for its long-acting insulin brand Lantus (insulin glargine), and his appointment signals the company’s continuing focus on the therapy area.
This has also been seen in the company’s approach to social media, which is primed to focus on diabetes – one of the company’s key areas for revenue growth.
“The knowledge and experience Paul has gained through his previous roles, including his work as a cardiologist, his expertise in diabetes and work within R&D make him ideally suited for this important role and continue the medical excellence which Jean-Pierre instilled within our organisation,” said Dr Elias Zerhouni, president, global R&D.
Prior to joining Aventis in 2001, Dr Chew held numerous positions at Bristol-Myers Squibb, including VP US medical affairs.