Christopher A. Viehbacher

Christopher A. Viehbacher is a prominent Canadian-German business executive best known for his transformative leadership in the global pharmaceutical industry. He served as the Chief Executive Officer of the French multinational Sanofi from 2008 to 2014, where he orchestrated a major strategic shift towards vaccines and biotechnology. Following his tenure at Sanofi, he has been active in biotechnology investment and advisory roles, including as a partner at the healthcare investment firm Gurnet Point Capital and as the founder of his own firm, Gurnet Point Capital.

Early life and education

Born in Vancouver, Canada, in 1960, he holds dual citizenship with Germany. He pursued his higher education at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree. His academic foundation in commerce provided the groundwork for his subsequent career in the complex financial and strategic landscape of international pharmaceuticals.

Career at GlaxoSmithKline

He began his extensive career in the pharmaceutical industry at the British-based giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), where he spent over two decades. He held numerous senior positions across Europe and North America, including President of GSK's Pharmaceutical operations in Canada and later as President of its U.S. Pharmaceuticals business. His roles involved managing significant product portfolios, navigating the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulatory environment, and leading large commercial teams, which solidified his reputation as a skilled operational leader.

Chief Executive Officer of Sanofi

In December 2008, he was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Sanofi, becoming the first non-French national to lead the Paris-based company. His tenure was marked by a decisive strategic overhaul to reduce Sanofi's dependence on patent-expiring blockbuster drugs. Key actions included the major acquisition of Genzyme, a leader in rare disease treatments and biotechnology, for over $20 billion. He also championed expansion into emerging markets like China and Brazil, and bolstered the company's vaccines division, which included the influenza vaccine producer Sanofi Pasteur. His leadership style and strategic direction occasionally led to tensions with the Sanofi board, culminating in his dismissal in October 2014.

Post-Sanofi career and other ventures

Following his departure from Sanofi, he transitioned into roles in investment and biotechnology entrepreneurship. He served as a senior advisor to the investment bank Goldman Sachs and joined the board of directors for several life sciences companies, including Perrigo. In 2016, he co-founded and became a managing partner at Gurnet Point Capital, a healthcare-focused investment fund based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Through Gurnet Point Capital, he has been instrumental in funding and guiding numerous early-stage biotechnology and medical technology companies. He also serves as the Chairman of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), a major industry association.

Personal life

He is married and maintains residences in both the United States and Europe. An avid athlete, he has competed in several Ironman Triathlon events. He is actively involved in philanthropic efforts, particularly in the areas of medical research and education, and serves on the board of trustees for his alma mater, Queen's University.

Category:Canadian businesspeople Category:German businesspeople Category:Pharmaceutical industry executives