Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis (NYSE: NVS) has seen the departure of Zhu Jiakang, who led the company’s innovative medicine China business growth project. Zhu has left the role due to “personal reasons,” according to official statements. Before joining Novartis in July 2022, Zhu held a significant position at AstraZeneca (AZ, NASDAQ: AZN), where he was in charge of the business unit targeting lung cancer and immunotherapy in China. Last month, Novartis appointed Yan Qiong to head innovative immunotherapy medicines in China, a role previously held by Zhu.
Media Speculation and Official Response
Local media platform Beijing Business Today reported that Zhu had been under investigation and detained by authorities for unspecified offenses. However, Zhu personally responded to media inquiries on August 2, confirming his well-being and addressing the speculation. Novartis China has stated that it will not comment on internet rumors or concerning former employees, maintaining a stance of privacy and respect for individual matters.-Fineline Info & Tech
