Sanofi, a global and diversified healthcare leader, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients’ needs has appointed Dr Paul Chew, Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Medical Affairs as of January 1, 2013.

Dr Chew, currently Senior Vice President, Chief Science Officer and Chief Medical Officer at Sanofi, US, will succeed Jean-Pierre Lehner, who will retire on December 31, 2012, after more than 20 years of dedicated service to the company. Dr Chew will report to Dr Elias Zerhouni, president, Global Research & Development and will be based in Bridgewater, New Jersey and Paris, France.

“Jean-Pierre dedicated his career to the well-being of patients and the success of the Group,” said Christopher A Viehbacher, chief executive officer, Sanofi. “Throughout his impressive and diversified career, Jean-Pierre has made significant and lasting contributions to improve public health and has been a key contributor to Sanofi’s success.”

Jean-Pierre Lehner joined the Group in 1992 and was appointed to positions of increasing responsibility before starting in his current position in 2009.

“The knowledge and experience Paul has gained through his previous roles, including his work as a cardiologist, his expertise in diabetes and work within R&D make him ideally suited for this important role and continue the medical excellence which Jean-Pierre instilled within our organization,” said Dr Elias Zerhouni, president, Global Research & Development.

Dr Chew was appointed Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer/Chief Scientific Officer US in January 2009. Between 2007 and 2009 Dr Chew held the position of President, US Research & Development and Vice President, Therapeutic Department Head, Metabolism, Diabetes and Thrombosis, responsible for Lovenox, Lantus, and the therapeutic development portfolio. Between 2001 and 2004, Dr. Chew was Vice-President, Global Head of Metabolism and Diabetes at Aventis Pharmaceuticals.

Prior to joining the industry, Dr Chew was Assistant Professor of Medicine at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Attending Physician in Radiology, Director of the Pacemaker Clinic and a member of the Interventional Cardiology staff. Dr Chew obtained his medical education at The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Diseases. Paul is a member of the PhRMA Science & Regulatory Affairs Executive Committee and the Institute of Medicine Value & Science-Driven Healthcare Roundtable.

Sanofi has core strengths in the field of healthcare with seven growth platforms: diabetes solutions, human vaccines, innovative drugs, consumer healthcare, emerging markets, animal health and the new Genzyme.