Roche announces changes in corporate communications

Roche has announced a change to its corporate communications structure.

The company has reported the resignation of Rolf Schlapfer, head of corporate communications at the company, to pursue his career outside the firm.

Mr Schlapfer will leave Roche by the end of the year, with the company to announce his successor in due course.

He has agreed to oversee a number of key projects ad interim after the date of his resignation to ensure a smooth transition.

Mr Schlapfer has held a number of roles in banking, communications and marketing since he graduated in business administration at the University of Zurich.

He worked with Roche as chief executive officer of a consulting firm before joining the firm in 1997 and being appointed to the enlarged executive committee in 2006.

“Rolf Schlapfer has been responsible for building up a professional and truly global communication organisation, paving the way for an open and active internal and external communications policy,” Roche said.

The company added that it would like to thank Mr Schlapfer for his contributions to the success of the company, wishing him the best in his future endeavours.

Last month, Roche sold the worldwide rights to four pharmaceutical products to Meda for 120 million euros (95 million pounds).