Novartis announces senior leadership appointments

31-May-2001

Novartis announced today that Christian Seiwald (45) current Head of Novartis Pharma, Austria and of the Group Country Organization in Austria, is appointed Global Head of Novartis' CHF 1.9 billion generics business with effect from 1 June 2001. Seiwald succeeds Oswald Sellemond (69), who is retiring after 42 years with the company.

Under Dr Sellemond's leadership, Novartis' Generics Sector has grown almost 60% since its creation at the Novartis merger in 1996. Benefiting from more than a dozen strategic acquisitions in the same period, it now ranks number two worldwide, with sales of CHF 1.9 billion (USD 1.14 billion) and a workforce of 5700.

Dr Daniel Vasella, Chairman and CEO of Novartis AG, commented: "Christian Seiwald has the pharmaceutical experience and business acumen to drive strong growth and financial performance in the Group's Generics business. This is an exciting time for Novartis Generics as we integrate our recent acquisitions and prepare for interesting products to become available for generic manufacture."

Christian Seiwald has an impressive track record in regional sector management, both in Pharmaceuticals and in Generics. As Sector and Group Country Head he has been a key contributor to expanding Novartis' market share as the number-one pharmaceutical company in Austria. In prior positions Mr Seiwald was responsible for building up and establishing Novartis' Pharmaceutical business in the Asia Pacific region, in addition to accomplishing a turnaround in the Sandoz/Biochemie business in Indonesia.

Separately, Novartis' flagship Pharmaceuticals Sector announced a number of key appointments: Erwin Klein (39) takes over from Christian Seiwald as Country Sector Head, Austria. Drummond Paris (50) is appointed Head of the Country Sector Organization for the UK, replacing Adrian Adams, who has chosen to pursue a career opportunity outside Novartis. In turn, Anthony Rosenberg (48) takes over as Head of the Transplantation Business Unit, to which he brings several years' existing transplantation business experience. Malcolm Allison (46) is appointed to succeed Rosenberg as Head of Global Marketing, Primary Care & CNS, while continuing with his responsibilities as Starlix® Brand Director.

Novartis Generics operates the generic pharmaceutical business of the Novartis Group and comprises a number of companies worldwide that offer high-quality generics (off-patent drugs) and pharmaceutical active substances at competitive prices.

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