Dr Morich, after holding important roles in Bayer, is currently CEO of Noxxon Pharma, and also is one of the Takeda global advisory board members. As EVP of international operations, Dr Morich will be responsible for enhancing Takeda Pharma’s commercial operations and presence outside Japan.
Dr Morich will succeed Alan MacKenzie who announced his retirement earlier this year after 25 years of service at Takeda. Mr MacKenzie currently is the founding EVP of the international operations organisation, and until most recently served as a member of the Takeda board of directors.
Mr Hirate, after holding the president position in Roche Diagnostics, Japan and Banyu Pharmaceutical, was senior managing director and representative director of Glaxo SmithKline, Japan, until recently where he was in charge of overall sales and marketing functions.
Mr Haruhiko Hirate will contribute to the management and operation of the company with his expertise and experience.
Yasuchika Hasegawa, president and CEO of Takeda Pharmaceutical, said: “I believe Dr Morich and Mr Hirate will contribute a lot to our company so that we can realise a transformation to a New Takeda during the period of our 2010 to 2012 Mid-Range Plan. Implementing a novel strategic approach is indispensable for Takeda to achieve long-term, sustainable growth.”