Cephalon promotes Alain Aragues to European leadership role

Cephalon has promoted Alain Aragues to executive vice president and president of Cephalon Europe.

He joined Cephalon in 2002 to lead the company's expansion in France following its 2001 acquisition of Group Lafon and was appointed president of Cephalon Europe in 2005.

Chairman and chief executive Frank Baldino said: "Alain was recruited to build our European business and under his direction, our European business has grown to include 50 countries and more than 30 products.

“During his tenure, our European sales have more than tripled. I am confident that these leadership changes will bring the company's performance to a new level as we expand globally."

Cephalon has also promoted Kevin Buchi and Wilco Groenhuysen.

Kevin Buchi moves to chief operating officer with responsibility for worldwide pharmaceutical operations, worldwide technical operations, investor relations and business development.

He joined Cephalon in 1991 and became chief financial officer in 1996, subsequently orchestrating nine acquisitions and strengthening the company’s financial infrastructure.

Wilco Groenhuysen is promoted to executive vice president and chief financial officer (CFO) with responsibility for worldwide finance, commercial operations and risk management.

He joined Cephalon in August 2007 as senior vice president of finance. Prior to Cephalon, he was CFO and senior vice president of Phillips Electronics North America, where he served in various finance roles over his 20 years with the company.