Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. has appointed Antoine Yver, M.D., MSc, to global head, Oncology R&D.

In this newly created role, Dr. Yver will report to Glenn Gormley, M.D., Ph.D., senior executive officer and global head, R&D, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. and chairman of the board and president, Daiichi Sankyo, and will have responsibility for leading all of the global research and development across the oncology therapeutic area including external investments, internal pipeline decisions, and resourcing requirements.

"Antoine brings a strong track record of extensive scientific leadership in many facets of global oncology pharmaceutical research and development along with tremendous passion for science and patients," said Dr. Gormley. "We are confident that Antoine will provide great leadership and strategic insights in this new role, which underscores Daiichi Sankyo's commitment to the fight against cancer."

Dr. Yver joins Daiichi Sankyo from AstraZeneca, where he most recently served as senior vice president and head of oncology, Global Medicines Development, and Global Medicines Development China Lead across all therapeutic areas. Prior to joining AstraZeneca in 2009, he held several international oncology drug development positions at Merck/Schering-Plough, Johnson & Johnson and Rhône-Poulenc Rorer/Aventis.