Rx&D Honours Mark Lievonen with Honourary Life Achievement Designation

MONTREAL, Nov. 17, 2015 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Board of Directors of Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D), President Russell Williams has conferred a Honourary Life Achievement designation to Mark Lievonen, President of Sanofi Pasteur Limited for his service and leadership in the innovative pharmaceutical industry in Canada.

This designation recognizes Mr. Lievonen' leadership, outstanding achievements in the pharmaceutical industry and unwavering dedication to sustainable healthcare in Canada, as an outward reflection of Rx&D's spirit of innovation. The award was given at a ceremony at the Making Canada Better 2015 Conference.

Quick Facts

• Mark Lievonen has been President of Sanofi Pasteur Limited for 17 years and has been appointed to the Order of Canada.
• He is the Past Chair of Rx&D's Board of Directors, Vice-Chair of the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research and serves on the Boards of the Public Policy Forum and BIOTECanada.
• He holds a BBA in accounting and an MBA in finance and marketing from York University and has received an honourary doctorate of laws degree from York University.
• He is the recipient of the Queen's Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals and has been named a Chevalier de l'Ordre National de Mérite by the government of France.

Quotes

"I'm grateful and tremendously proud, honored and humbled to receive this honour from Rx&D. It's very gratifying to work in an industry that seeks to improve the quality of life for all Canadians. I'm fortunate to have worked with many inspiring individuals along the way – strong, passionate colleagues who share a like-minded approach to creating an innovative and sustainable healthcare system in Canada." – Mark Lievonen, President, Sanofi Pasteur Limited

"Mark Lievonen has dedicated his entire career to advancing Canada's life sciences ecosystem and working to demonstrate the incredible value of vaccines to Canadian health and healthcare sustainability. This recognition speaks directly to his dedication and it is well deserved." – Russell Williams, President, Rx&D

"The entire Board of Rx&D is proud to celebrate Mark Lievonen's many achievements and bestow this honour upon him. Mark is a strong advocate for the life sciences sector and the pharmaceutical industry in Canada and has forged strong relationships with many different stakeholders. He is a role model in his approach to pursuing solutions to address the complex challenges of our healthcare system." – John Helou, Chair, Rx&D Board of Directors and President, Pfizer Canada Inc.

About Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies

Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies is the national association representing the voice of Canada's innovative pharmaceutical industry. We serve our membership by advocating for policies that enable the discovery, development and delivery of innovative medicines and vaccines to improve the lives of all Canadians. We support our memberships' commitment to being a valued partner in the Canadian healthcare system. We represent more than 50 companies investing over $1-billion in R&D annually, fuelling Canada's knowledge-based economy, while contributing over $3-billion overall to Canada's economy. Guided by our Code of Ethical Practices, we work with governments, private payers, healthcare professionals and stakeholders in a highly ethical manner.

SOURCE Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D)

Image with caption: "L-R: John Helou, President, Pfizer Canada Inc.; Mark Lievonen, President, Sanofi Pasteur Limited; Russell Williams, President, Rx&D (CNW Group/Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20151117_C4085_PHOTO_EN_546928.jpg

Sarah Douglas, Media Relations, Rx&D, Telephone: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]