Biogen appoints replacement for George Scangos as CEO

US biotech major Biogen (Nasdaq: BIIB) has now selected a new chief executive to replace outgoing incumbent George Scangos, who has led the company since 2010 but announced his intention to leave last year, from its own ranks.

It has named Michel Vounatsos as CEO and member of the board of directors, effective January 6, 2017. Mr Vounatsos previously held the position of executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Biogen.

Mr Vounatsos joined Biogen in April 2016 after a 20 year career at Merck & Co. While at Merck, he held leadership positions of increasing responsibility in Europe, China, and the USA, driving significant and consistent growth across multiple geographies. Since joining Biogen, Mr Vounatsos has demonstrated his extensive global biopharmaceutical experience and track record of innovative stakeholder engagement in his leadership of the company’s commercial organization. He has implemented key initiatives to extend the company’s industry leadership in multiple sclerosis, expanded Biogen’s reach in key global markets, and effectively prepared for the introduction of breakthrough treatments for patients in areas of high unmet need, according to a Biogen statement.