Sanofi hires David Loew from Roche

Sanofi has tapped its rival pharma major Roche to hire David Loew to head its commercial operations in Europe.

Loew is currently regional head Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa at Switzerland-based Roche, but on July 1 he will become senior VP, commercial operations, Europe, at its French competitor Sanofi.

Loew's appointment is part of a shake-up of Sanofi's commercial operations ahead of the departure of president of global operations Hanspeter Spek on July 1.

From this day, the company will split its commercial organisation into two new units: a global commercial operations division to be headed by Peter Guenter and a global divisions and strategic commercial development to be headed by former GE Healthcare executive Pascale Witz.

Loew will report to Guenter in his new role, which will also see him join Sanofi's global leadership team and become chairman of the European strategic committee.

Guenter said: “Europe remains a key strategic region for Sanofi, with a high level of complexity and diversity of markets, facing critical challenges in a mature environment. David's vast experience, international exposure and know how at both country and corporate positions will be a significant addition to Sanofi and make him ideally suited to lead our commercial operations in Europe.”

The move marks the end of a 21-year career at Roche for Loew, who joined the company as a sales rep in 1992.

He gradually rose up the ranks at Roche, holding senior marketing positions such as life cycle leader for both MabThera and Xeloda, head of oncology and chief marketing officer, before taking his current role early this year.