Sanofi has named David Meeker as chief executive officer of Genzyme, a Sanofi company, effective November 1, 2011. He will report to Christopher A. Viehbacher, chief executive officer of Sanofi, and will join the group management committee. Viehbacher will retain the position of chairman, Genzyme.

Meeker joined Genzyme in 1994 as medical director to work on the cystic fibrosis gene therapy program. Over the years he has held key positions of increasing responsibility. Most recently, he served as chief operating officer.

"David's commitment to employees, physicians and patients has been a key success factor in the successful integration of Genzyme as part of the Sanofi Group. His combination of medical and business experience will be essential to move Genzyme's broad portfolio of products forward and deliver much-needed therapies to patients,” said Viehbacher.