Takeda Appoints New CEO for European Commercial Business

OSAKA, Japan, April 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited ("Takeda") announced that effective April 1, Trevor Smith, currently Vice President, International Strategy, will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer of Takeda Pharmaceuticals Europe Limited ("TPEU"), its wholly owned subsidiary for oversight of pan-European sales and marketing.

Smith brings more than 30 years of pharmaceutical experience and a broad range of knowledge to the leadership role in Europe. He has worked at Takeda for more than 10 years and served in various roles including Managing Director of Takeda UK and Vice President, New Portfolio for Takeda Pharmaceuticals Europe.

Before joining Takeda, Smith served at Servier Laboratories as Managing Director of Servier South Africa and held the role in the United Kingdom. He also worked as the Vice President of Northern Europe, based at the company's parent organization in Paris, France.

"I am confident that Trevor's deep experience with Takeda and the pharmaceutical industry will serve him well as the leader of Takeda's extensive European commercial organization," said Frank Morich, M.D., Ph.D., Executive Vice President, International Operations (Americas/Europe), Takeda Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. "With Trevor's leadership and guidance, our European businesses will align their commercial strategies to ensure Takeda's continued growth and evolution in the region."

Smith will succeed Erich Brunn, Ph.D., who will retire from Takeda. Dr. Brunn joined the company in 2001 as President of Takeda Pharma GmbH, Takeda's wholly-owned subsidiary in Germany.

Based in London, Takeda Pharmaceuticals Europe leads the overall business activities of Takeda's European subsidiaries, providing strategic direction and management support across the region.

About Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited

Located in Osaka, Japan, Takeda is a research-based global company with its main focus on pharmaceuticals. As the largest pharmaceutical company in Japan and one of the global leaders of the industry, Takeda is committed to strive towards better health for patients worldwide through leading innovation in medicine. Additional information about Takeda is available through its corporate website, http://www.takeda.com.