New CEO draws on 20 years experience across healthcare industries in UK and Europe

TORONTO, Oct. 18, 2012 /CNW/ - On Monday, October 22, join Sanofi Canada President CEO Jon Fairest as he shares a fresh perspective on creating a sustainable healthcare system in Canada at the Economic Club of Canada. In his remarks, titled: "From transformation to sustainability: Sharing healthcare risk and realizing social benefit," Mr. Fairest will draw on his experience in the healthcare industry across the UK and Europe during a time of tremendous change and adaption and share his vision of a sustainable future for pharma and what that means for healthcare in Canada.

Event Details
Monday October 22nd
11:45 am - 1:30 pm (Luncheon)
The National Club - 303 Bay Street

This will be Mr.  Fairest's first public speaking appearance since he was appointed President and CEO of Sanofi Canada in May. In his current role, he is leading the affiliate's transformation into a diversified healthcare solutions company whose offerings include patented medicines, consumer health products, medical devices and innovative partnerships with stakeholders. In June 2012 he was appointed chair of the Atlantic Committee of Rx&D, Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies.

With nearly 20 years' experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Mr. Fairest is known as a highly innovative, unconventional thinker who has led teams through significant change and achieved success in many cultures and markets.  He began his career with Bayer UK in 1993 and joined Sanofi in 2001. Since that time he has held positions in the UK, Bulgaria, Finland, and Portugal. His tenure at Sanofi is marked by a more patient-centric view of customer service, innovation and refocusing on growth opportunities. For further information about the luncheon, please visit the Economic Club of Canada website.

About Sanofi
Sanofi, a global and diversified healthcare leader, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients' needs. Sanofi has core strengths in the field of healthcare with seven growth platforms: diabetes solutions, human vaccines, innovative drugs, consumer healthcare, emerging markets, animal health and the new Genzyme. Sanofi is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).

Sanofi companies in Canada include Sanofi Canada (pharmaceuticals), Sanofi Pasteur (vaccines), Sanofi Consumer Health (health and beauty), Genzyme (rare diseases) and Merial (animal health). Together they employ more than 1,700 people across the country. In 2011 Sanofi companies invested $151.7 million in R&D in Canada, creating jobs, business and opportunity throughout the country.

SOURCE: Sanofi Canada