Eisai recruits Pfizer and Sanofi execs to neurology group

Eisai has made a brace of new appointments to its US Neurology Business Group, bringing expertise from Pfizer and Sanofi on board.

Paul Hawthorne (pictured) takes up a position as senior VP, US commercial within the Group, to lead its sales and marketing teams in the US.

He joins from Sanofi where he spent 24 years, most recently as VP of sales with responsibility for leading the French firm's retain, hospital and long-term care sales forces. 

Prior to that he served in roles such as VP and head of Go To Market Center of Excellence and as VP and head of Sanofi's Oncology Business Unit.

Ivan Cheung, chairman and CEO of Eisai Inc and president of the Neurology Business Group, said: "With his proven record for driving organisational and brand growth, we are excited to have Paul on our team. 

"We look forward to his contributions to our commercial organisation to maximise our neurology brands, and help in ensuring that the appropriate patients have access to our products."

Eisai has also appointed Beyhan Zaim to its US Neurology Business Group as VP, commercial development and Alzheimer's Disease global lead.

She joins the Japanese pharma company from Pfizer, where she held a number of global roles in business development, global marketing, strategic planning and commercial development.

Most recently she has served as Pfizer's vice president of external opportunities and new business; VP of commercial development for its primary care business unit; and VP, medicine team leader. 

In her new role at Eisai Zaim will lead the firm's neurology commercial development team, creating and driving commercial strategies for pipeline compounds approaching the commercialisation stage.

As global lead for Alzheimer's Disease she will also be tasked with developing strategies and heading internal and external collaborations. 

In addition to her functional responsibilities, Zaim has been appointed as a standing member of Eisai's executive committee for the Neurology Business Group. 

Eisai's Cheung said: "With her deep expertise in the commercial development of in-line and pipeline compounds, and extensive knowledge of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disease states, Beyhan is a tremendous addition to Eisai."