Sanofi has appointed Paul Hudson as chief executive officer, effective September 1, to succeed Olivier Brandicourt who has decided to retire.

The Board thanked Olivier Brandicourt for the energy with which he has steered the Group through a complex period and for his decisive contribution to the company’s return to growth.

Paul Hudson most recently served as chief executive officer of Novartis Pharmaceuticals and Member of the Executive Committee of Novartis.

Mr. Hudson brings international experience, particularly in the U.S., Japan and Europe. He spent his 28-years career with major pharmaceutical companies such as Schering Plough, Astra Zeneca and Novartis. Throughout his various management positions, he has proven his strategic vision, his strong leadership and his ability to achieve the greatest challenges, particularly in terms of innovation and digital transformation. Mr. Hudson has track record in successful major product launches.

Serge Weinberg, chairman of the board of Sanofi, said, “We are very pleased that Paul Hudson has agreed to join Sanofi. His skills and experience give him all the assets he needs to accelerate growth and lead the Group’s adaptation to new strategic challenges, particularly in the areas of Research and Development and digital. His human values will enable him to mobilize all the energies and increase the agility, that a group such as Sanofi needs, to face the new challenges of our industry and the changes in healthcare systems around the world.”