William Burns

Bill Burns joins Shire board

pharmafile | March 17, 2010 | Appointment | Research and Development, Sales and Marketing Shire, appointment, research and development, sales and marketing 

Former Roche pharma chief executive Bill Burns has joined the board at Shire as a non-executive director.

Burns has also been appointed to the specialty biopharma company’s remuneration committee.

He said: “I’m attracted by the approach Shire takes to address specific medical needs, and the Company’s track record of success and I look forward to making a contribution to this ambitious and exciting player in the global pharmaceutical industry.”

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Burns most recently headed up Roche’s pharma operations, in addition to sitting on the company’s executive committee.

During his time with Roche he was significantly involved in the acquisition and privatisation of Genentech and played a lead role in negotiations that resulted in Roche becoming a majority owner of Chugai in Japan.

He retired from the Swiss company in January this year, but was recently appointed to be a member of the board of Roche Holdings, and continues to sit on the boards of Chugai Pharmaceutical and Genentech.

Shire Chairman Matthew Emmens said: “Bill Burns’ global pharmaceutical experience will be invaluable to Shire. Shire is growing its business through extending its global reach with established operations now in 28 countries and a range of exciting growth-driving products with rights around the world.”

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