Executive leadership changes at AbbVie

17 December 2018

US biopharma company AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) today announced a new executive leadership team structure designed to streamline its organizational structure and support its long-term growth strategy. Effective immediately, the new team will consist of the following individuals, all of whom report to AbbVie chairman and chief executive Richard Gonzalez:

Michael Severino, now executive vice president, R&D and chief scientific officer, has been named vice chairman and president. In his role, Dr Severino will be responsible for &D, human resources, operations, and the corporate strategy office.

Laura Schumacher has been named vice chairman, external affairs and chief legal officer. Ms Schumacher currently serves as EVP, external affairs, general counsel and corporate secretary. In her new role, Ms Schumacher will be responsible for legal, ethics and compliance, corporate governance, corporate aviation and all externally facing functions including health economics outcomes research, government affairs, corporate responsibility, brand and communications.

Carlos Alban, who currently serves as EVP, commercial operations, has been named vice chairman, chief commercial officer. Mr Alban will be responsible for global commercial operations of the company, including the addition of Pharmacyclics commercial functions.

William Chase will continue in his role as EVP, finance and administration, responsible for all financial and administrative functions of the company.

"AbbVie has grown significantly since our founding six years ago, and now is the right time to evolve our senior executive leadership structure to match our talent and our operating model as well as support our long-term growth strategy," said Mr Gonzalez, adding: "We are fortunate to have a deep pool of senior leadership talent, and this streamlined structure will enhance our ability to execute against our long term strategies, provide additional scope for our senior leaders and facilitate our ability to meet our commitment to continuing to deliver value to all of our stakeholders, including patients, employees, shareholders and the communities we serve."

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