Appointments at Akrimax, Vernalis, Sanofi and Pregis – People on the move
Product development company Akrimax has named Donald Olsen as its new president.
Olsen – most recently the executive VP of business development at Cempra – spent twenty nine years with Johnson & Johnson working his way up to the role of VP, licensing and business development.
Joseph Krivulka, chairman and founder of Akrimax, said: "We're very excited that Don has joined Akrimax. He is a seasoned professional with a solid reputation in business development, brand management and leading highly effective teams.
“We're looking forward to his leadership to grow our existing business and broaden our portfolio of products in the marketplace.”
Nigel Sheail has joined Vernalis as a non-executive director.
Sheail, a chartered accountant, comes to the product development business with experience from
GlaxoSmithKline, Hoffman-La Roche, and a number of corporate finance and licensing roles in China, the US and Switzerland.
"His depth of experience in the global pharmaceutical industry will be very valuable for the Board, and we look forward to his contribution, as we seek to build future value for Vernalis shareholders," said Vernalis chairman Peter Fellner.
Sanofi have appointed Greg Irace to the role of senior VP in global services.
Since 1994, Irace has been chief financial officer of Sanofi’s pharmaceutical operations in the US.
Now in his new role, he will lead the global information systems function, be responsible for shared support functions across all Sanofi businesses in North America and play a key role in the development of a global strategy for shared services.
Jerome Contamine, executive VP and chief financial officer of Sanofi said: “I am confident that Greg’s dedication and the leadership he has shown in his previous roles will result in his leading this new organization to great success.”
West Pharmaceutical Services have selected Joseph Abbott as new VP-finance of pharmaceutical packaging systems.
Abbott previously held the position of VP and controller, as well as serving as the company's principal accounting officer since July 2000.
Daniel Malone - who has been the WPS’s VP finance, Americas since September 2008 – will replace Abbot as VP and controller.\
Edwin de Wolf has been appointed managing director of Pregis Protective Packaging Europe.
His new role follows his 22 year career at GE Plastics and GE Security, where he was most recently Managing Director, EMEA.
Kevin Baudhuin, global president of protective packaging, said: “We are delighted to welcome Edwin to Pregis.
“He brings with him the in-depth expertise and experience that will enable us to take the business to the next level of success and growth, further developing our position as the partner of choice for all protective packaging solutions.”
Paul Rampling has taken on the role of site director at BPI’s Greenock production facility.
Rampling began his career at BPI (British Polythene Industries plc) on a graduate scheme, and worked his way up the ranks to process technologist.
In his new role he will oversee the production of polythene films for the construction, janitorial, packaging and horticultural sectors.
Rampling said: “During my 12 years with the company, I’ve been fortunate enough to work across many different areas of the business. I’m now looking forward to building on that as the site director at Greenock.”
The FDA have reorganised its management, placing Stephen Spielberg in the new role of deputy commissioner for medical products and tobacco.
Spielberg leaves the position of senior research director at Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas, US, to oversee most of the FDA’s operations outside of food regulation.
“While we’ll certainly miss Dr. Spielberg and his work, we’re excited to create this new bridge directly to the FDA, to have an advocate not only for Children’s Mercy, but for its partners here in Kansas City,” Children’s Mercy spokeswoman Sherry Gibbs said.
