Singapore: Japan-headquartered global firm, Takeda Pharmaceutical, appointed Mr François-Xavier Roger as its chief financial officer (CFO), effective September 2, 2013.

In his new role, Mr Roger will be responsible for the integration and leadership of the finance functions across the Takeda group, reporting to Mr Yasuchika Hasegawa, president and CEO, Takeda.

Takeda is seeking to raise the global competitiveness of every aspect of its business. By enhancing its position as a global leader in the pharmaceutical industry, Takeda will be better positioned to deliver maximum benefit to patients. The establishment of the CFO position to lead global financial functions, as well as IT and procurement, is one example of the strategic initiatives being implemented in this regard.

Prior to joining Takeda, Mr Roger was CFO at Millicom International Cellular, a leading digital player and mobile telecom company enjoying remarkable growth in emerging markets. Mr Roger's career includes senior leadership roles at Sanofi, with assignments in Japan, Mexico, France and South Africa. Furthermore, Mr Roger has experience in Asia as CFO of Danone's APAC operations in Singapore. Mr Roger also worked as group treasurer of Danone.

"With a proven track record of global success in financial leadership positions at world-class companies in pharmaceutical and consumer product businesses, we are extremely pleased to add Mr Roger to the senior leadership team at Takeda. I am confident he will contribute substantially to the realization of our mid-term growth strategy as he leads our finance functions to a new phase of globalization," said Mr Hasegawa, president and CEO, Takeda.