In a significant move that’s making waves across the pharmaceutical industry, AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV) has just announced a major change in its leadership team. Dr. Roopal Thakkar, a veteran of the company with over two decades of experience, has been appointed as the new Executive Vice President of Research & Development and Chief Scientific Officer. This strategic decision, announced on July 10, 2024, places Dr. Thakkar at the helm of one of the most crucial departments in the global biopharmaceutical giant.
Dr. Thakkar, who previously served as AbbVie’s Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for Global Therapeutics, will now lead the company’s global R&D organization. This team comprises over 14,000 members working across all phases of discovery and development in therapeutics and aesthetics.
AbbVie’s CEO Rob Michael praised Dr. Thakkar’s appointment, highlighting his deep commitment to innovation and patient care. Michael expressed confidence in Dr. Thakkar’s ability to build on AbbVie’s momentum in discovery and development, citing his excellent track record in building new capabilities and advancing clinical programs.
Dr. Thakkar brings a wealth of experience to his new role. A physician by training, he joined Abbott/AbbVie in 2003 and has since held various positions in clinical development and regulatory affairs. His most recent role saw him leading the organization through strategic acquisitions and driving clinical development programs across multiple therapeutic areas.
In his new position, Dr. Thakkar will oversee AbbVie’s pipeline of more than 90 drug and device programs. He expressed excitement about the opportunity to ensure AbbVie’s growth well into the next decade and confidence in the R&D team’s ability to deliver critical innovation.
This leadership change comes as Dr. Thomas J. Hudson, the current Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer of Global Research, announces his retirement. Dr. Hudson has played a crucial role in shaping AbbVie’s approach to early-stage science and precision medicine since joining the company in 2016.
As AbbVie continues to focus on discovering and delivering innovative medicines and solutions for serious health issues, this leadership transition marks an important moment for the company’s future in research and development.
This article was originally published on iBIO NewsBrief. Gain a head start on your day with iBIO NewsBrief. Subscribe to receive top industry headlines delivered straight to your inbox.