Sanofi Pasteur MSD names new president

Sanofi Pasteur MSD has announced the appointment of David Khougazian as its new president, effective as of September 1st 2015.

Mr Khougazian joined the company at the start of this month and most recently worked as chief of staff for the chief executive officer of Sanofi, a role that saw him take responsibility for numerous global strategic and organisational projects.

He has been named as the successor to outgoing president Dr Jean-Paul Kress, who has led the company since July 2011, but will be leaving Sanofi Pasteur MSD in September to take up a role with the core Sanofi group.

Under Mr Kress'  tenure, the company launched its key products Hexyon and Zostavax, as well as preparing for the arrival of two major new products that will drive further growth in future.

Olivier Charmeil, president and chief executive officer of Sanofi Pasteur, said: "David's appointment marks a new phase in our development in western Europe, a challenging and strategic region for our vaccines activity."

Sanofi Pasteur MSD is a European joint venture formed between Sanofi Pasteur and Merck Sharp and Dohme, with Mr Khougazian's appointment confirmed and endorsed by both partners.