Novartis this week announced changes to its senior leadership team to support the implementation of its strategic priorities. These changes include the appointment of Shannon Klinger in the elevated and expanded role of chief ethics, risk, and compliance officer, effective April 1.

Klinger's expanded role "allow[s] for an integrated approach to risk identification and management that is aligned with our commitment to hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards in all of our activities," Novartis said in a statement. Klinger joined Novartis in 2011 as general counsel, North America, Sandoz U.S. She was then appointed global head of legal and general counsel for Sandoz, before assuming her current role of chief ethics and compliance officer and head of litigation.

Under other changes to its executive leadership team, Steffen Lang, global head of Novartis's technical operations has also been appointed to the executive commitee, effective April 1.  Lang will report directly to the CEO and become a member of the Novartis's executive committee. He joined Novartis in 1994 and served as global head Biologics Technical Development and Manufacturing, and as global head Technical R&D, prior to his current role.

Additionally, Bertrand Bodson, chief digital officer, will join the executive committee, effective April 1. Bodson joined Novartis on January 1, 2018 and has begun to shape the new Digital organization across Novartis. Bodson brings extensive digital leadership experience, and a proven track record in creating and implementing digital innovation and culture change across global companies such as Sainsbury Argos, Amazon, and EMI Music.

Also on April 1, André Wyss, president of Novartis operations, has decided to step down from Novartis's executive committee to pursue his career outside of Novartis. After stepping down, Wyss will be available to support a proper handover.

Novartis's operations will be split into Novartis Technical Operations and Novartis Business Services. Barrois, head of Novartis corporate affairs, will lead the Novartis Business Services organization ad interim. An internal and external search for a new head of Novartis Business Services has started. Matthias Leuenberger, Delegate Novartis Switzerland, will assume the role of country president for Switzerland.

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