Sanofi appoints new SVP for Europe

Sanofi has announced the appointment of Peter Guenter as senior vice president, Europe, effective July 15, 2011. Guenter is to report to the president of global operations, Hanspeter Speck, and will join the management committee.

During his time at Sanofi, Guenter has held various positions in France, Europe and global marketing. In 2000, Guenter was promoted to the role of general manager Belgium. Over the next few years he took responsibility for Eastern Europe, Northern Europe and Scandinavia as vice president. His most recent role is as general manager of commercial operations for Germany, the role he presently holds.

Guenter succeeds Belen Garijo, who leaves to take a leading role in another pharmaceutical company. Speck commented on Garijo's achievements during her time with the company:

"I would like to sincerely express my gratitude to Belen for her dedication to the company over the last 15 years. With her combination of experience, skill, passion and commitment, Belen was able to drive the transformation of Sanofi in Europe over the past several years. We wish her all the best for her new professional opportunity."

Speck also expressed his enthusiasm for Guenter's appointment:

"The depth of knowledge and experience Peter gained through his previous management roles in Germany and in Europe, as well as his general business acumen make him ideally suited to lead Sanofi's operations in Europe."

Prior to his involvement with Sanofi, Guenter gained a Masters in Physical Education and worked in sales at SmithKline from 1986 until he joined Sanofi in 1995.