Sanofi-Aventis CEO Viehbacher at a glance

AGE -- 50.

CAREER -- CEO of Paris-based Sanofi since Dec. 1, 2008. Worked for GlaxoSmithKline PLC from 1988-2008 in Europe, Canada and the U.S., rising to president of North American pharmaceutical operations in May 2008; also was co-chair of GSK's portfolio management board. Began career at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Was made a knight of the French Legion of Honor in 2003.

FAMILY -- Married, three children. Born in Canada to German parents, he holds citizenships from both countries.

EDUCATION -- Graduate of Queens University, Ontario, Canada; certified public accountant; fluent in English, French and German.