Roche and Genentech announce structural changes
15 Apr 2009
Roche and Genentech have announced the new organisational structure for the companies following their merger, with Genentech's research and early development division operating as an independent centre within the Roche group.
The arm will be headed up by Richard Scheller, who is currently executive vice president of the US firm's research division.
Meanwhile Pascal Soriot will be appointed as chief executive of Genentech and report directly to Roche group boss Severin Schwan.
Chief executive of Roche Pharma, William Burns, will retire from the corporate executive committee from January 1st 2010 and his successor will be named in due course.
All of the structural changes will be effective from May 1st this year.
"We have enormous respect for the achievements of Genentech and look forward to working together even more closely with our colleagues at Genentech," said Franz Humer, chairman of the Roche board.
The Swiss firm concluded its acquisition of the San Francisco-based company on March 26th following successful completion of its tender offer the day before.
