AstraZeneca names new chief executive

PHARMACEUTICAL giant AstraZeneca has appointed a new chief executive.

Frenchman Pascal Soriot is joining the group from competitor Roche where he has been chief operating officer of the pharmaceutical division since 2010.

Mr Soriot, a former vet, replaces David Brennan who left in June.

The company is one of the largest employers in Cheshire with more than 3,000 scientists at the Alderley Park cancer research centre near Alderley Edge and 2,600 in manufacturing at nearby Macclesfield.

On the apointment he said: “Throughout my career I have had enormous respect for the people of AstraZeneca and what they have achieved. No-one is blind to the challenges that confront the pharmaceutical sector and this company, but the underlying strengths of AstraZeneca in delivering on its strategy are clear.

“AstraZeneca will continue to make a positive difference to patients over the longer term and I’m looking forward to playing my part in shaping that future.”