Alexander Hardy, Genentech
Genentech announced that its new CEO would come from within the Roche Group, with Alexander Hardy taking the helm effective as of March 1, 2019.
Hardy will take on the role after having most recently worked as head of global product strategy at Roche. The company has now repositioned him to lead its Genentech unit, which is responsible for a number of therapies within Roche’s portfolio, such as Avastin (bevacizumab) and Actemra (tocilizumab).
For Hardy, the new position represents a return to the business, after nearly five years in various roles at Roche; from 2005, he worked across the Genentech business for eight years and finished his first stint as SVP of its ‘Impact’ business unit.
Prior to joining the Roche Group, Hardy led regional businesses within Novartis and worked as a product manager for SmithKline Beecham.
Becoming CEO of Genentech sees him take the position previously held by Bill Anderson, who moved to become the new CEO of Roche Pharmaceuticals at the start of the year.
Anderson commented on Hardy’s appointment: “He brings significant global expertise in the delivery of breakthrough medicines and a deep connection to the company culture. I look forward to seeing Genentech’s scientific excellence, employee experience and dedication to patients thrive under his leadership.”