Singapore: Bristol-Myers Squibb appointed Dr Francis Cuss, 58, as executive vice president and chief scientific officer, effective July 1, 2013, following the reirement of 61-year-old Dr Elliott Sigal. Dr Sigal served as the company's chief scientific officer since 2004 and is on the company's board of directors since 2011. He will retire from both positions effective June 30, 2013. Dr Sigal and Dr Cuss will continue to work together until that time.

Dr Cuss joined Bristol-Myers Squibb in 2003 as senior vice president, drug discovery, adding responsibility for discovery medicine and clinical pharmacology in May 2006.

Mr Lamberto Andreotti, chief executive officer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, said that, "Francis is a strong and collaborative leader with broad experience in both discovery and development. He has been a key member of our productive R&D team who, under Elliott's leadership, has delivered our strong portfolio and pipeline."

"As our company embarks on the next phase of pipeline execution, this is a natural time for Francis to lead our R&D team. Having worked closely with Francis since 2010 when I invited him to join my Senior Management Team immediately after becoming CEO, I know that he can ensure the continuation of both the leadership and strategy that have been the hallmarks of our success," he said.

Mr Andreotti added, "Elliott has been a key leader in the development and execution of our company's strategy to become a BioPharma leader. He and his team have become one of the most productive and innovative R&D organizations in the industry. Elliott has had a significant impact on the transformation of our company and, most importantly, on the patients we serve. I am grateful for the many things that Elliott and I have been able to accomplish together."

"I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this talented R&D team to fulfill our mission and find new ways to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines for patients with unmet medical needs," said Dr Cuss.