Novartis Oncology head Bruno Strigini to retire

The head of Novartis Oncology Bruno Strigini is set to step down and retire from the pharmaceutical industry.

Citing personal reasons, the Swiss pharma firm said Strigini would step back from his place on its executive committee by December 31 and leave his current role in early 2018.

Novartis CEO Joseph Jimenez said: "I'd like to thank Bruno Strigini for his contributions and achievements. He has navigated the business unit through the Gleevec patent expiration and has led the successful integration of the GSK Oncology Product Portfolio acquired in 2015. I wish him the best for his future."

Strigini joined Novartis in 2014 from Merck & Co, where he spent nearly five years as president, Europe and Canada.

Prior to that he served in a similar role at Schering-Plough, before its acquisition by Merck in 2009.