Marc Cluzel will resign as executive vice president, r&d but will continue to work closely with Zerhouni as a scientific expert.
Christopher Viehbacher, chief executive of sanofi-avenits, said: ‘I would like to sincerely thank Marc for his long-term contribution. His passion for science and commitment thus far has ensured a readiness to lead the implementation of the transformation of r&d over the past few years.’
Marc Cluzel will continue to work with Zerhouni as a scientific expert
Sanofi-aventis said that since his appointment as scientific advisor to Viehbacher in February 2009, Zerhouni has been instrumental in fostering innovation and reinvigorating r&d at the French pharmaceutical firm.
Zerhouni added: “I am honoured to be given the opportunity to join [my colleagues] in making sure that, here at sanofi-aventis, we discover and develop the most important therapies to alleviate the pain and suffering of patients around the world.’
Zerhouni was director of the National Institutes of Health of the United States of America from 2002 to 2008 and has founded or co-founded five start-up companies. He also is also senior fellow of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundations, and on the board of trustees of the Mayo Clinic and the Lasker Foundation.
