Succeeding Wayne Pisano, who will retire in February 2011, Charmeil, currently senior vice president, Global Operations Asia/Pacific and Japan, will report directly to sanofi-aventis’ chief executive Christopher Viehbacher, and will become a member of the executive committee.
‘I would like to thank Wayne for his achievements in developing the vaccines growth platform and his dedication to the company over the past 14 years. Under Wayne’s leadership, Sanofi Pasteur has strengthened its position as a world leader in the vaccine industry and is well positioned for future growth in international markets,’ said Viehbacher.
Charmeil joined Sanofi Pharma in 1994 as head of business development and has held a number of key positions since then, including cfo Asia and ceo of the French affiliate, taking up his current role in February 2006.
‘Olivier’s wealth of experience in both commercial operations and business strategy combined with his expertise in emerging markets are core strengths required in the future development of the vaccines division,’ said Viehbacher. ‘I am confident that with Olivier’s track record, he will lead the division to further growth in the future.’
Sanofi-aventis said the vaccines division represents a core growth platform for the company by achieving growth of 19.2% in 2009. The strategy will be to continue to focus on the advancement of a strong pipeline and increasing access to vaccines, particularly in emerging markets.
