Amgen appoints CEO Robert Bradway to chair of board

Amgen's CEO Robert Bradway (pictured) has been named the company's chair of the board of directors, replacing Kevin Sharer who will retire at the end of the year.

The move follows Bradway's replacement of Sharer as Amgen's CEO in May, 2012, completing a succession process that was originally announced a year ago.

Bradway joined the company in 2006 as VP, operations strategy, before being appointed to executive VP and chief financial officer and then chief operating officer. Prior to joining the company, he was managing director of Morgan Stanley.

Sharer's departure ends his 20-year involvement with Amgen, including 12 years as CEO from 2000. During his time as head of the company, its annual revenue grew from $3.6bn to $16bn.

Bradway's appointment wasn't the only change at the top for Amgen, with director Vance Coffman appointed lead independent director.

"On behalf of the board and all of Amgen, we look forward to Vance Coffman's continued contributions as the new lead independent director," said Bradway, "and we thank Kevin Sharer for his 20 years of dedicated service and his contributions to the company and the patients we serve."

In addition, Amgen also announced the appointment of a new board member, with former CEO at toy company Mattel, Robert Eckert, to serve on the audit and corporate responsibility and compliance committees of the board.

"We are pleased to welcome Bob Eckert to the Amgen Board. Bob has significant experience and a superb track record of leading global companies during a long and successful career," said Bradway.