Bristol-Myers Squibb, a global biopharmaceutical company, has appointed Francis Cuss, MB, BChir, FRCP, as executive vice president and chief scientific officer, effective July 1 after Elliott Sigal, M.D., Ph.D., retires.

Cuss has a strong medical background, and broad experience in both research and development. Prior to joining BMS, he spent 14 years at Schering-Plough and three years at Glaxo, holding positions of increasing responsibility in discovery, clinical research and medical affairs in both the U.S. and Europe.

Cuss joined BMS in 2003 as senior vice president of drug discovery, adding responsibility for discovery medicine and clinical pharmacology in May 2006. Cuss and his team successfully integrated Adnexus, Medarex and ZymoGenetics into the research organization, and have driven innovation in the research operating model, processes and governance. He became a member of the company's senior management team in 2010.

Elliot Sigal has served as the company's chief scientific officer since 2004 and on the company's board of directors since 2011. He will retire from both positions effective June 30, 2013. Sigal and Cuss will continue to work together until that time.