Biogen Idec

Douglas E. Williams, Ph.D., has been named executive vice president of R&D at Biogen Idec and Steven H. Holtzman has been named executive vice president, corporate development. Dr. Williams will oversee the company’s global R&D operation, including discovery research, development, clinical operations and regulatory affairs. Mr. Holtzman will oversee corporate strategy, business development, portfolio management, program leadership and the New Ventures fund. Both will report to Biogen’s chief executive officer George A. Scangos, Ph.D.

Dr. Williams has more than 20 years of scientific and senior leadership experience, most recently as chief executive officer of ZymoGenetics Inc. He also served as head of research and a member of the executive team at Immunex, where he played a significant role in the discovery and development of rheumatoid arthritis drug Enbrel.

Mr. Holtzman has more than 20 years of industry experience, most recently as founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Infinity Pharmaceuticals. Mr. Holtzman also served as chief business officer of Millennium Pharmaceuticals.

“I am delighted to welcome Doug Williams and Steve Holtzman to Biogen Idec,” said Dr. Scangos. “I have known Doug and Steve for a long time and have great respect for their capabilities, accomplishments and character. Doug has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to build and lead high quality research groups and, importantly, to aggressively focus the science and transform promising research into products. Steve is one of the most thoughtful and creative business people I know and has demonstrated over the years the ability to build great organizations and create innovative collaborative structures that meet the needs of both partners. Steve and Doug represent the completion of what I believe is now an excellent management team. I look forward to working with both of them and the rest of the management team to take Biogen Idec to the next level.”