Sanofi Genzyme exec jumps ship to join Biogen

US biotech major Biogen (Nasdaq: BIIB) has appointed Jean-Paul Kress as executive vice president and president, International, and head of global therapeutic operations, effective June 19.

Dr Kress will have direct responsibility for worldwide commercial operations outside the USA and will also oversee the rare and specialty disease asset teams. Dr Kress will report directly to chief executive Michel Vounatsos and be a member of Biogen’s executive committee.

“Jean-Paul brings deep expertise and decades of industry experience to Biogen at an important time for the company,” said Mr Vounatsos. “As we seek to optimize our commercial function in support of our investigational compounds and build upon the leadership position of our current therapies, I believe that Jean-Paul’s strategic vision and sharp customer focus will help ensure that patients around the world gain access to transformative therapies.”