APPOINTMENTS UPDATE WHO

names Dr. Jeremy Farrar as Chief Scientist

SWITZERLAND – The World Health Organization has appointed Wellcome Trust director Dr. Jeremy Farrar to the position of Chief Scientist, effective second quarter of 2023. As WHO’s Chief Scientist, Dr. Farrar will oversee the Science Division, bringing together the best brains in science and innovation from around the world to develop and deliver high-quality health services across the world.

Also, under Dr. Farrar, Wellcome has taken an increasingly global outlook, focusing on funding discovery research projects to transform understanding of life, health and well-being, and supporting science-based solutions to address infectious disease, mental health, and the effects of climate change on health. Moreover, Dr. Farrar is a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences UK, European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO), the National Academies USA, and a Fellow of The Royal Society.

JAPAN – Olympus Corporation has tentatively appointed Stefan Kaufmann as director, representative executive officer, president, and CEO. Kaufmann’s appointment will take effect in April, pending board approval, said Tokyobased Olympus Corp. He will lead Olympus’ expansion in the med-tech field, ensuring the company adapts to clinical needs and requirements.

Kaufmann, a German who has worked at Olympus for more than two decades, will succeed Yasuo Takeuchi, who helped guide the company’s transition from its roots in cameras and other consumer electronics to medical technology.

The company plans for Kaufmann to lead the effort to elevate the standard of care in targeted diseases. It expects him to accelerate growth at the company. The board of directors of Olympus intends to formally approve the changes at the end of March 2023. As part of its value creation strategy, it expects the leadership transition to strengthen the Olympus management foundation.

Kaufmann has over two decades of senior management experience. During his time at Olympus, he has been instrumental in driving change in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region.