Welcome to this week's Chutes and Ladders, our roundup of hirings, firings and retirings throughout the industry. Please send the good word--or the bad--from your shop to Eric Sagonowsky (email) or Alyssa Huntley (email | Twitter), and we will feature it here at the end of each week.
Valeant continues executive changes with new EVP and SVP
Valeant
Christina Ackermann joins as EVP and Scott Hirsch becomes SVP.
Valeant is continuing with executive changes this week, bringing on two new faces to the fold. Novartis vet Christina Ackermann will join as EVP and general council to replace Robert Chai-Onn. From Citadel Investment Group comes Scott Hirsch, who will take on the role of SVP of business strategy and communications. Valeant will wave goodbye to Laurie Little, longtime investor and public relations leader, and Pavel Mirovsky, Europe president and general manager. FiercePharma
Tech meets life sci as ex-Google VC partner joins TrialReach
TrialReach
Eze Vidra will join as chief innovation officer.
TrialReach, a London-based clinical trial software company, has brought on ex-Google VC partner Eze Vidra as the company's chief innovation officer. Vidra worked for the short-lived European arm of Google Ventures until the unit was dissolved in December. This is Vidra's first job in life sciences. He has previously worked at Google's London office, AOL, Ask and eBay. FierceBiotechIT
After merger with Baxalta, Shire hinted at $700 million worth of job cuts while discussing Q2 financials. Article
Biotech
> Benitec Biopharma is making a few C-suite changes. Greg West was appointed CEO, Cliff Holloway was named chief business and operating officer and Bryan Dulhunty has been named chief financial officer. Release
> Lynda Merrill will replace William Olson as CEO of Fluoresentric. Release
> InVivo Therapeutics Holdings will bring on Pamela Stahl as chief commercial officer this September. Release
Pharma
> Tim McGrath joins Southern Research as vice president of drug development. Release
> BioLineRx has announced that Philip Serlinhas has been named CEO of the company. Release
> Elizabeth Crowley has earned a promotion at Celldex Therapeutics, where she will now be senior vice president and chief product development officer. Release
> Endo has named Joseph Ciaffoni president of U.S. branded pharmaceuticals. Release