Bayer Names New Head of Pharma Business Development

German firm Bayer named Marianne De Backer PhD as its new Head of Business Development & Licensing of its Pharmaceuticals division, effective immediately, a company press release announced Tuesday. Based out of Berkeley, CA, De Backer will report to Stefan Oelrich, the president of Bayer’s Pharmaceuticals division.

In her new role, De Backer will oversee Bayer’s external pharmaceutical growth strategy and activities across the firm’s global footprint, including innovation and alliance management. She will also join the company’s Pharmaceuticals Executive Committee. 

“Marianne De Backer is a recognized business leader with an impressive track record spanning over two decades in research, commercial, as well as licensing, mergers, and acquisitions,” said Oelrich, who is also a member of Bayer’s Board of Management, in the release. “Her breadth of experience in successfully forming and managing external alliances will be one of the key drivers of Bayer’s continued growth, ultimately aimed at providing new medicines and solutions to patients.”

Prior to joining Bayer, De Backer lead business development activities at Johnson & Johnson. She most recently served as Vice President of M&A Operations and Divestitures for the company’s Pharmaceuticals Group and headed Infectious Diseases & Vaccines Business Development.

“I am honored to be joining this world-class organization, deeply rooted in using science for a better life, and with a vision of growth through innovation. We are looking forward to working with partners from across the world to make this vision a reality,” said De Backer in a statement. 

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