Genzyme makes board changes

Globe Staff

Genzyme Corp., the Cambridge biotechnology company, said that it has taken steps to strengthen the role of its lead independent director and that it has appointed new leadership to head the board's audit committee.

"The lead independent director will now have an expanded role in determining the direction of the discussions that take place at the board level, including the approval of full board meeting agendas and materials," Genzyme said in a press release. "Robert Carpenter, president of the privately-held investment company Boston Medical Investors Inc., is currently serving in the role of lead director."

New board director Robert Bertolini, the former executive vice president and chief financial officer at Schering-Plough Corp., was also appointed to chair the Audit Committee, Genzyme said.

The actions, the company said, were designed to strengthen Genzyme's corporate governance.