Actelion has nominated two pharmaceutical executives, including ex-GlaxoSmithKline boss Jean-Pierre Garnier, to join the board after shareholder Elliott Advisors repeated calls for changes in management and strategy, according to Pharma Times.

Garnier is scheduled to become vice chairman and will set to replace Robert Cawthorn. The other nominee is Robert Bertolini, former chief financial officer at Schering-Plough, who previously worked for 20 years with PriceWaterhouseCoopers. He acted as a senior advisor to companies such as Merck & Co and Johnson & Johnson.

Garnier said that "I’m very impressed with the company’s track record and where it stands today as Europe's largest biopharmaceutical company." He added that "Actelion's track record in translating superior drug discovery into meaningful therapeutic solutions is very exciting" and "I look forward to contributing to guiding the company through the next phase of growth."