Genzyme has appointed David Meeker to the newly created role of chief operating officer, designed to establish a sharper focus on commercial execution.

Dr. Meeker will be responsible for the company’s commercial organization, overseeing business units, country management organization, and global market access functions. He will work to maximize the potential of the company’s portfolio of products. By integrating all aspects of its commercial organization, the company hopes to enhance communication and coordination, increase efficiency, and improve resource allocation.

“It is the right moment for us to make this change, as we grow in size, complexity, and global reach,” said Henri A. Termeer, Genzyme’s chairman and chief executive officer. “We are working to create the organizational structure that will enable us to capitalize on the many opportunities that lie ahead. David has had a significant impact in a variety of roles at Genzyme, and I have confidence in him as he takes on the new COO position.”

Dr. Meeker joined Genzyme in 1994, with initial responsibility for the clinical development of therapeutic products. He went on to serve as head of the company’s Genetic Diseases and Thyrogen businesses in Europe, and was later promoted to president of the global Genetic Diseases business, where he oversaw the global launches of Aldurazyme, Fabrazyme, and Myozyme.