11 September 2008 - Pharmaceutical firm Sanofi-Aventis has announced that Mr Chris Viehbacher, a former GlaxoSmithKline executive, will succeed Mr Gerard Le Fur as CEO on 1 December 2008.
Viehbacher will pursue Sanofi-Aventis' redefined strategy, which consists of focussing on research and development adapted to the new regulatory and economic constraints of the markets, strengthening its presence in emerging markets, as well as developping other activities related to medicines and healthcare.
Under Viehbacher, Sanofi-Aventis will attempt to diversify its activities by investing in dietary supplements, the French business media reports this morning.
One of the new CEO's missions will be to multiply acquisitions in the field of vitamins, mineral supplements and other dietary supplements, the media said.