Helsinn, a Swiss pharmaceutical group focused on cancer care products, has appointed Paul Rittman as its new Chief Executive Officer. Rittman, who succeeds William Mann, took up his new role on 5th March and has pharmaceutical industry experience from previous commercial and general management roles.

Riccardo Bragila, vice chairman and chief executive officer for Helsinn Group, said: “I am delighted to welcome aboard Paul Rittman, who has over 30 years’ experience in pharmaceutical sales and marketing with oncology and across a range of disease areas in North America. I am sure his expertise, experience and network will prove invaluable in this key commercial moment for the Helsinn Group.”

Rittman most recently served as senior vice president and general manager, US oncology, leading Teva’s oncology activities for its branded products operations. Prior to his time at Teva, he also held a number of other senior commercial roles at Intrabiotics and Aventis.

Rittman said: “I have always been impressed with Helsinn’s core values of quality, integrity and respect and so I am delighted to be joining at this time. Helsinn is an international pharmaceutical business strongly committed to growth through investing in oncology while working to improve the everyday lives of people with cancer.”