Chris Halyk Appointed Chair, Rx&D Board of Directors

OTTAWA, Nov. 14, 2012 /CNW/ - Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D) is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Halyk, President of Janssen Inc., as Chair of the Board of Directors for 2012-2013. Mr. Halyk assumed the role during Rx&D's Annual General meeting held in Toronto on November 14, 2012.

Mr. Halyk was appointed President, Janssen Inc. and joined the Rx&D Board of Directors in early 2006. Under his leadership, Janssen has become one of the country's top pharmaceutical companies, with a focus on bringing innovative products, services and solutions to patients across Canada.

"Chris Halyk has been a hard-working member of Rx&D's Board of Directors and Executive Committee for many years," said Russell Williams, President, Rx&D. "We are delighted that Canada will benefit from his demonstrated business acumen and unwavering commitment to patients."

"The recently launched Rx&D campaign, Saving Lives - Transforming Care, makes clear the point that what we do makes a difference every day for patients," commented Mr. Halyk. "The campaign highlights the benefits of innovative medicines that will make people's lives better. As Chair of the Board, I look forward to sustaining our industry's focus on this goal."

Mr. Halyk began his career with Johnson & Johnson 26 years ago when he joined Janssen Pharmaceutica Inc. as an over-the-counter (OTC) pharmaceutical product manager. Since then, Mr. Halyk has held a number of sales and marketing roles of increasing responsibility and in 1997 he was appointed Vice-President, Sales and Marketing and a member of the Janssen Management Board. While in this role he championed innovations in patient education programs and sales force automation. In 2001, Mr. Halyk was appointed Managing Director of Ortho Biotech; the biopharmaceutical division of Janssen Inc. and oversaw its subsequent merger into Janssen.

Born and raised in Canada, Mr. Halyk holds an Honours Business Administration degree from the University of Western Ontario.

About Rx&D

Rx&D is the association of leading research-based pharmaceutical companies dedicated to improving the health of Canadians through the discovery and development of new medicines and vaccines. Our community represents the men and women working for more than 50 member companies which invest more than $1 billion in research and development each year to fuel Canada's knowledge-based economy, contributing over $3 billion to the Canadian economy.  Guided by our Code of Ethical Practices, our membership is committed to working in partnership with governments, healthcare professionals and stakeholders in a highly ethical manner.

SOURCE: CANADA'S RESEARCH-BASED PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES (RX&D)