Singapore: Ms Deborah Dunsire, CEO, Millennium Pharmaceuticals, is leaving the company in an abrupt departure. Ms Dunsire fueled the emergence of Millennium Pharma as a prominent force in cancer treatment. She is leaving the firm was five years after it was acquired by Japan-based Takeda Pharmaceuticals.

Ms Dunsire exit come amidst the company plan to merge operations around the globe and cut costs as it braces for a severe decline in sales. Ms Anna Protopapas, executive vice president, business development, Takeda, who has been with the company since 1997, will replace Ms Dunsire as president of Takeda's Cambridge, MA-based cancer operation, effective immediately.

Ms Dunsire will also depart from Takeda's board of directors at next month's board meeting, just one year after she joined the board.