Sanofi has named four new leaders to its Executive Committee. These appointments now complete the announced changes in February to further simplify the company's executive leadership team.
The complete Sanofi Executive Committee now includes the four heads of the company's global business units (Sanofi Genzyme, Sanofi Pasteur, General Medicines, and Consumer Healthcare) as well as the global Heads of Research and Development, Industrial Affairs, Finance, Human Resources, Legal and Digital.
"My objective has been to find the right blend of talented people that can make the whole team stronger than its individual parts. Sanofi needs people who can bring us new insights from the outside of the industry as well as people with world-class pharma expertise. We need leaders who come to Sanofi with a fresh perspective as well as leaders who have grown up within the company," says Paul Hudson, Chief Executive Officer at Sanofi. "I am confident in this team's capacity to inspire our people, execute our strategy and change the practice of medicine for patients."
Natalie Bickford, Executive VP Chief People Officer, said: "Natalie Bickford starts on August 1, and joins Sanofi from Merlin Entertainments, the world's second largest location-based entertainment business (which includes Legoland Resorts, Madame Tussaud's, SEALIFE aquariums, among other brands). At Merlin, she was responsible for 30,000 employees across Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific. Ms. Bickford brings a wealth of consumer-facing experience. She held previous Human Resources leadership positions at Sodexo, AstraZeneca, and Kingfisher, has consistently demonstrated passion for engaging teams and driving change in behaviours and culture. She also has a solid track record of transforming organisations, with a strong focus on inclusion and diversity.
Arnaud Robert, Executive Vice President, Chief Digital Officer (CDO). Arnaud Robert is currently Chief Digital Officer at Viking Cruises, a cruise line provider. He joins as Sanofi's CDO on 15 June, and will drive Sanofi's digital, data and technology strategy. As newcomer to the pharma sector, Robert brings a strong background in consumer, omni-channel experience, platform/technology, big data and front-end digital experience. He has held previous leadership positions at The Walt Disney Company and Nike, where he designed and launched the Apple Watch l Nike+ digital community.
Julie Van Ongevalle, Executive Vice President, Head of Consumer Healthcare. Julie Van Ongevalle starts on 1 September, replacing Alan Main. She is currently Global Brand President of Origins, a division of the Estée Lauder Companies, based in New York City. With more than 20 years of international experience, Van Ongevalle has built brands, from identifying accelerated growth opportunities, to building and implementing execution plans resulting in sustainable, long-term profitable growth. Her deep knowledge of consumers and digital will be essential as Sanofi advances builds a standalone, agile and multi-local brands Consumer Healthcare business.
Thomas Triomphe, Executive Vice President, Head of Sanofi Pasteur. Thomas Triomphe currently serves as Head of Franchises and Product Strategy for Sanofi Pasteur, and will be promoted to Executive Vice President, Head of Sanofi Pasteur, effective 15 June. Triomphe replaces David Loew. Triomphe joined Sanofi Pasteur in 2004 as part of a talent management program and has since held different roles of increasing responsibility in sales and marketing, at the country, regional, and global levels.
The company extends sincere thanks to David Loew and Alan Main for their leadership and outstanding contributions. Most recently, both executives have played a critical role in harnessing Sanofi's efforts and resources in the fight against COVID-19.