Israel-based generics firm Teva Pharmaceutical has appointed new CEOs to two of its subsidiaries in Asia.
Yoo Suk Hong (pictured right), formerly CEO of Lilly Korea, becomes the first CEO of Teva-Handok in Korea, while Ichiro Kikushige, formerly senior director of sales for Lilly Japan, is appointed president and CEO of Teva Seiyaku in Japan.
Hong has served as CEO of Lilly Korea since 2007. This followed four years as global marketing manager of an osteoporosis medication at Lilly’s headquarters in the US.
He is the first CEO of the joint venture of Teva and6 Handok Pharmaceuticals, which was set up to expand Teva’s business in the emerging Korean market. It is due to officially launch its first products in September 2013.
“With his deep international experience coupled with his keen understanding of the Korean market, Yoo Suk will help us realise our goal of bringing high-quality and affordable medicines to patients in Korea,” said Professor Itzhak Krinsky, chairman of Teva Japan, Teva South Korea and head of business development Asia Pacific.
Kikushige (pictured left) leaves Lilly for Teva Seiyaku following a 25-year period at the company, during which he served in several senior positions, including marketing director, head of oncology and his current role in Japan.
He replaces Makoto Shimada, who retires after a 40-year career in the pharma industry in Japan.