Novartis focuses Pharmaceuticals Division by creating two business units, Novartis Pharmaceuticals and Novartis Oncology

Paul Hudson appointed CEO, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, and Bruno Strigini appointed CEO, Novartis Oncology; David Epstein to leave Novartis.

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. Mr Hudson has broad pharmaceutical industry experience and in particular in cardiovascular and immunology, which complement Novartis' major product launches. He will be based at the global headquarters of the Innovative Medicines Division and the Novartis Pharmaceuticals business unit, which will be in Basel, Switzerland.

Bruno Strigini, currently Head of Novartis Oncology, will lead the Novartis Oncology business unit, comprised of the franchises Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapies. Mr 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. He will be based at the global headquarters of the Innovative Medicines Division and the Novartis Oncology business unit which will be in Basel, Switzerland.

David Epstein, currently Division Head and CEO of Novartis Pharmaceuticals, has decided to leave Novartis and explore new challenges from the US. "We would like to thank David for his substantial contribution to the development and growth of Novartis and its people over many years. He built our leading Oncology business and over the last six years has steered our Pharmaceuticals Division through a period of excellence in innovation, execution and improved financial results. Over the course of his career he and his teams have been responsible for leading the development and commercialization of an industry leading number of new medicines including groundbreaking therapies such as Glivec, Gilenya, Cosentyx and Entresto. I want to express my personal appreciation for all David has done for Novartis and patients and wish him continued success," said Joe Jimenez, CEO of Novartis.

From 1 July 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. The divisions will be supported by Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Global Drug Development and Novartis Operations, which includes Technical Operations and Novartis Business Services.