AstraZeneca research head Morrison leaves to head biotech firm
LONDON, June 10 (Reuters) - AstraZeneca (NYSE: AZN - news) 's chief medical officer and head of global late-stage drug development Briggs Morrison is to leave the company, creating a gap at the top of the group's research operations.
A spokeswoman said on Wednesday he was departing to become chief executive of a small biotech company.
Morrison, who joined AstraZeneca from Pfizer (NYSE: PFE - news) in 2012, has played a central role in the British drugmaker's bid to turn around its portfolio. He also helped defend the firm's independence in the face of a $118 billion takeover attempt by Pfizer last year. (Reporting by Ben Hirschler; editing by Kate Kelland)