Singapore, Jan 27, 2010: After 14 years as the CEO, Daniel Vasella is stepping down as Novartis CEO. He is being replaced by Joe Jimenez, the current head of Novartis' pharma division.

Dr. Daniel Vasella served 14 years as CEO and 11 years as Chairman and CEO. He will however continue in his role as Chairman of the Board concentrating on strategic priorities. This completes the succession plan which began in 2008 with the creation of a transitional COO position and the appointment of new divisional management.

Mr. Joe Jimenez will takeover the CEO position February 1, 2010.

The Novartis board, a release said, has selected Joe Jimenez with complete trust in his global leadership capabilities, based on his outstanding performance track record, broad international business experience and his ability to provide direction, align and engage people. These skills will be crucial for implementing Novartis' strategy.

David Epstein, currently Head of the Novartis Oncology business, the fastest growing unit in Pharmaceuticals, will become Head of the Pharmaceuticals Division. Jon Symonds will take over as CFO on February 1, 2010, from Raymund Breu, who will retire on March 31, having reached the mandatory retirement age.

Simplifying its leadership structure Novartis reduces the size of the Executive Committee from 12 to 9. They will be Joe Jimenez, CEO; Mark Fishman, Global Head of NIBR (The Novartis Institute for BioMedical Research); David Epstein, Division Head Pharmaceuticals; Jeff George, Division Head Generics; George Gunn, Division Head Consumer Health: Andrin Oswald, Division Head Vaccines and Diagnostics; Jon Symonds, CFO; Thomas Werlen, General Counsel; and Jürgen Brokatzky-Geiger, Global Head Human Resources.

Furthering the delayering efforts, three executive positions have been eliminated: COO, Head Corporate Affairs, and Head Group Quality/Technical Operations.

Two smaller units, Group Quality Assurance, headed by Juan Andres and Group Country Management/External Affairs, led by Joe Jimenez ad interim, report to the CEO. Corporate Audit and Compliance reports to the Chairman.

In the context of this new organizational structure Joerg Reinhardt, Andreas Rummelt and Thomas Wellauer have decided to pursue their careers outside of Novartis. We are thankful to each of them for their many contributions over the many years to the success of Novartis. All changes will be effective February 1, 2010.