Genzyme Appoints Core Research Leaders

Genzyme, a Sanofi company, has appointed William “Bill” Sibold as head of Multiple Sclerosis and Rogério Vivaldi as head of Rare Diseases. Both will join the Genzyme executive team and report to David Meeker. The MS and Rare Disease businesses are Genzyme’s core focus areas following its integration with Sanofi.

“These appointments are a critical step in launching the new Genzyme,” said David Meeker. “Bill and Rogério are dynamic leaders with the experience, energy, vision and commitment to patients needed to move us forward.”

Mr. Sibold has more than 20 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, primarily in commercial operations, and has worked on MS products Avonex and Tysabri. He spent eight years in positions of increasing responsibility at Biogen Idec, where, as senior vice president of U.S. Commercial, he was responsible for the company’s $2.5 billion neurology, oncology and rheumatology therapeutic areas. Prior to this, he served as managing director of Biogen’s Asia Pacific region. He joins the company from Avanir Pharmaceuticals, where he was chief commercial officer, leading all of the company’s commercial activities.

Mr. Vivaldi joined Genzyme in 1997 and has held positions of increasing responsibility. Previously he was president of Genzyme’s Renal and Endocrinology Business and served as senior vice president and president of Genzyme Latin America, responsible for the company’s growth and diversification in the region, after founding Genzyme in Brazil.