GSK’s rare diseases head Marc Dunoyer to join AZ

AstraZeneca (AZ) has hired former head of GSK's rare diseases business Marc Dunoyer to support its global restructuring programme.

Dunoyer joins AZ as executive VP, global portfolio and product strategy as it prepares to axe more than 5,000 positions as part of a three-year strategy to return to growth.

He has a strong pedigree in pharma, serving at GSK for more than a decade, including spells as chairman of GSK Japan, president for Asia Pacific and Japan and his most recent role as global head of rare diseases.

In its growth strategy announcement, AZ said it was looking to expand in Asian markets, including Japan, and Dunoyer's experience will be helpful.

“I'm delighted Marc is joining us in this pivotal new role aimed at bringing greater integration across our R&D, commercial and business development activities,” said AstraZeneca's CEO Pascal Soriot, who joined from fellow big pharma rivals Roche in 2012.

He added: “Marc is a first-rate leader with a proven track record in driving business growth and he brings to AstraZeneca a wealth of international operating experience, in particular in the important Asia region, combined with outstanding strategic skills.”

Dunoyer will assume the role in the second quarter of 2013, and will be a member of AZ's senior executive team reporting directly to Soriot.