Novartis to create two units to focus on pharma and oncology

 
The new structure reflects the importance of oncology to Novartis following the successful integration of the oncology assets acquired from GSK. Novartis expects this change to help drive our growth and innovation strategy, with an increased focus and improved execution for both the Novartis Oncology and Novartis Pharmaceuticals business units.
 
Paul Hudson, currently executive vice president, North America and member of the executive committee, AstraZeneca, will join Novartis and lead Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Prior to his role in North America, Paul Hudson served as the leader of AstraZeneca’s Japanese business. Novartis Pharmaceuticals will include the franchises neuroscience, ophthalmology, immunology and dermatology, respiratory, cardio-metabolic and established medicines.

 
Bruno Strigini, currently head of Novartis Oncology, will lead the Novartis Oncology business unit, comprised of the franchises oncology and cell and gene therapies. Strigini joined Novartis in 2014 from Merck & Co to lead the oncology business and was instrumental in the successful integration of the oncology assets acquired from GSK.
 
From July 1, 2016, Novartis will continue to have three focused, customer-facing divisions: Innovative Medicines (formerly the Novartis Pharmaceuticals division), which will include the Novartis Pharmaceuticals and Novartis Oncology business units; Sandoz, the generics and biosimilar division, which includes the retail generics, anti-infectives and biopharmaceuticals franchises; and Alcon, the eye care devices division, which includes the surgical and vision care franchises.