Bristol-Myers Squibb Announces Appointment of Francis Cuss as Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer, Effective July 1; Elliott Sigal Plans to Retire

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYS: BMY) today announced the appointment of Francis Cuss, MB BChir, FRCP, 58, as executive vice president and chief scientific officer, effective July 1 after Elliott Sigal, M.D., Ph.D., 61, retires. Dr. Sigal has served as the company’s chief scientific officer since 2004 and on the company’s Board of Directors since 2011. He will retire from both positions effective June 30, 2013. Drs. Sigal and Cuss will continue to work together until that time.

“Francis is a strong and collaborative leader with broad experience in both discovery and development,” said Lamberto Andreotti, chief executive officer, Bristol-Myers Squibb. “He has been a key member of our productive R&D team who, under Elliott’s leadership, has delivered our strong portfolio and pipeline. As our company embarks on the next phase of pipeline execution, this is a natural time for Francis to lead our R&D team. Having worked closely with Francis since 2010 when I invited him to join my Senior Management Team immediately after becoming CEO, I know that he can ensure the continuation of both the leadership and strategy that have been the hallmarks of our success.”

“Elliott has been a key leader in the development and execution of our company’s strategy to become a BioPharma leader,” said Andreotti. “He and his team have become one of the most productive and innovative R&D organizations in the industry. Elliott has had a significant impact on the transformation of our company and, most importantly, on the patients we serve. I am grateful for the many things that Elliott and I have been able to accomplish together.”

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this talented R&D team to fulfill our mission and find new ways to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines for patients with unmet medical needs,” said Cuss.

Dr. Cuss has a strong medical background, and broad experience in both research and development. Prior to joining Bristol-Myers Squibb, Dr. Cuss led teams in the successful development and approval of several blockbuster medicines. At Bristol-Myers Squibb, Dr. Cuss has a proven track record of leading our company’s research organization to become among the most efficient in the industry. He has built a high-performing team, and has delivered a differentiated and innovative early and mid-stage pipeline including making significant contributions in the advancement of our company’s Hepatitis C and immuno-oncology portfolios, particularly PD-1.

Dr. …read more

Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance