Norbert W. Bischofberger, Ph.D. has been named executive vice president, R&D and chief scientific officer and John F. Milligan, Ph.D. has been named chief operating officer, Gilead Sciences, Inc.

Dr. Bischofberger joined the company in 1990 from Genentech, where he held roles of increasing responsibility within R&D, and was most recently appointed executive vice president, R&D in 2000. In his new role, Dr. Bischofberger will oversee all aspects of Gilead's R&D efforts, including the recently acquired Seattle, WA and Westminster, CO programs in the fields of respiratory and cardiopulmonary therapeutics and the company's Edmonton, Alberta operations. A. Bruce Montgomery, M.D., senior vice president, head of respiratory therapeutics will now report to Dr. Bischofberger.

Dr. Milligan joined the company in 1990 as a research scientist. He has held leadership roles in project management and corporate development. He was appointed senior vice president and chief financial officer in 2002 and was promoted to executive vice president in 2003. In his new role, Dr. Milligan will oversee the company's commercial organization, manufacturing, finance and business operations. Kevin Young, executive vice president, commercial operations will continue to lead Gilead's commercial organization and will report to Dr. Milligan. Anthony Caracciolo, senior vice president, manufacturing will also report to Dr. Milligan. Dr. Milligan will continue to serve in the role of chief financial officer until a new CFO is appointed.

"Gilead has grown tremendously over the last several years, and these organizational changes will ensure our company is positioned to continue delivering new, innovative therapies to those patients most in need," said John C. Martin, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer, Gilead Sciences. "I am confident in the abilities of Gilead's senior leadership team -- Norbert, John, Kevin, Gregg Alton, senior vice president and general counsel and Kristen Metza, vice president, human Resources -- to guide the continued success of our company."