Sanofi-Aventis has named Chris Viehbacher chief executive officer of the Group, effective December 1st, 2008. He succeeds Gerard Fur, who will continue to provide general management of the Group in the scientific area.
   
Mr. Viehbacher has spent 20 years of his career within the GlaxoSmithKline Group, where he has held a variety of senior positions, including general manager of France and later of Europe. He most recently served as president Pharmaceutical Operations, North America and as a member of the board.