Executive chairman Bob Hugin has decided to retire from Celgene after 19 years of service and will step down from the board of directors effective 5 February.
Hugin initially joined Celgene as its chief financial officer and then subsequently became chief operating officer and chief executive officer.
His successor will be Celgene’s current chief executive officer Mark Alles, who will remain as CEO along side his new position as the chairman of the board of directors.
Alles has been with Celgene since 2004, holding roles such as chief operational officer and executive vice president, global head of haematology and oncology.
Michael Casey, Celgene’s lead independent director, said: “Mark is a tremendous leader and the best person to guide Celgene into its next phase of significant growth.
“Through his strategic leadership as CEO, Celgene has advanced and expanded its portfolio of potentially life-changing medicines.”