Johnson & Johnson recruits former Sanofi exec to be its R&D’s EVP

Johnson & Johnson confirmed on Monday, Feb. 13, that it has appointed the former Sanofi EVP and global head of research & development to be the new executive vice president of its own pharmaceuticals' R&D unit.

As per Reuters, Johnson & Johnson announced that 64-year-old John C. Reed is set to replace William Halt who assumed the role as interim head of the R&D in August of last year. His appointment is set to take effect on April 3. Prior to his move to Johnson & Johnson, aside from Sanofi SA, Reed also worked for Roche Holding AG.

It was reported that Sanofi also disclosed Reed's departure from the company on the same day when rival J&J confirmed it has recruited him. The French pharmaceutical and healthcare company based in Paris did not mention that Reed is moving to Johnson & Johnson and only stated he is making his exit to “pursue a new opportunity."

He has been with Sanofi for almost five years and was praised for having “laid the foundation for the company’s R&D transformation.” The pharma firm further said he helped reshape its discovery and development by directing efforts to first and best-in-class medications.

“Dr. Reed is an accomplished leader and highly regarded researcher with an extraordinary track record for discovering and developing life-saving innovations on a global scale,” Johnson & Johnson’s chief executive officer and board chairman, Joaquin Duato, said in a press release. “I am confident his experience and leadership will enable our Pharmaceutical R&D organization to continue to accelerate innovation and competitiveness, invest with focus and discipline and improve the lives of the patients we serve around the world with transformational medicines.”

Finally, Reed also commented regarding his new post at J&J, “I am deeply honored and extremely excited to join Johnson & Johnson as I share the Company’s commitment to innovation to conquer disease and improve human health.”