Mr Rothwell will be steeping down as chairman on March 31, 2009, and will continue to oversee key projects and responsibilities through completion until his retirement later in 2009.
Mr Rothwell joined Sanofi-Aventis in 2003 as president and CEO of Sanofi-Synthelabo US, and was instrumental in the formation of Sanofi-Aventis US in 2004. In March 2007, Mr Rothwell became chairman of Sanofi-Aventis US.
Chris Viehbacher, CEO of Sanofi-Aventis, said: “With more than of 35 years of experience, Tim has made an exceptional contribution throughout his tenure in our group and brought Sanofi-Aventis to the forefront of the industry in US. I would like to thank Tim sincerely and I wish him very best in his retirement.”