Genzyme names leaders in key areas
Genzyme Corp. said it has tapped senior executives from major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to strengthen its leadership ranks in regulatory and clinical affairs and other areas.
The biotechnology company, which is based in Cambridge, also said its board of directors has appointed a new member, Robert Bertolini, who was chief financial officer at drug maker Schering-Plough before it was bought by Merck & Co.
In a rare letter to shareholders yesterday, Genzyme chief executive Henri A. Termeer outlined steps the company has taken to regain its footing in what he called the most challenging year in the company’s history.
They ranged from putting up safeguards to prevent a viral contamination, such as the one found at its Allston plant this past June, to expanding its production capacity in Framingham and Ireland.
Termeer said Genzyme also hired Pamela Williamson from Serono Inc. to be Genzyme’s senior vice president and head of regulatory affairs and corporate quality compliance; Ulrich Goldmann from Novartis Pharmaceuticals to be Genzyme’s senior vice president of global medical affairs; Andrew Lee from Pfizer Inc. to be senior vice president of clinical research; and Michael Panzara from Biogen Idec Inc. to be Genzyme’s therapeutic area head and group vice president for multiple sclerosis and immune diseases.
