(1888PressRelease)
May 14, 2009 - "Jonathan Symonds' financial expertise, broad industry experience and deep knowledge of the healthcare industry make him especially suited to take on the responsibilities of CFO of Novartis from Raymund Breu," said Dr. Daniel Vasella, Chairman and CEO.
Symonds, 50, spent eight years as CFO at AstraZeneca, where his position encompassed Finance, M&A, Strategy, IT, Purchasing, Business Development and Licensing. Before that he was Finance Director at Zeneca and previously was a partner at KPMG.
About Novartis
Novartis AG provides healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Focused solely on healthcare, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, preventive vaccines, diagnostic tools and consumer health products. Novartis is the only company with leading positions in these areas. In 2008, the Group's continuing operations achieved net sales of USD 41.5 billion and net income of USD 8.2 billion. Approximately USD 7.2 billion was invested in R&D activities throughout the Group. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis Group companies employ approximately 98,000 full-time-equivalent associates and operate in more than 140 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com.
Novartis Media Relations
Eric Althoff
Novartis Global Media Relations
+41 61 324 7999 (direct)
+41 79 593 4202 (mobile)
eric.althoff ( @ ) novartis dot com
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