Sanofi CEO Relocates to Boston From Paris

PARIS-- Sanofi SA Chief Executive Christopher Viehbacher has relocated to Boston from Paris, the company said Tuesday, challenging France's desire to maintain a grip on its national champions.

"This was a personal family decision that won't impact Sanofi's operations," a spokesman for the drug maker said, confirming an article in French daily Le Monde.

Mr. Viehbacher's relocation could rekindle government concerns that France is losing ground in keeping decision-making centers in Paris. His move comes as the French government is fighting to prevent Alstom, the energy and industrial engineering giant, from falling largely into foreign hands.

Alstom is reviewing a $17 billion bid by General Electric Co. of the U.S. for its entire energy operations.

The Sanofi spokesman said company headquarters would remain in France.

The appointment of Mr. Viehbacher, a German-Canadian, as Sanofi CEO in December 2008 was presented as a major cultural shift to internationalize the French company, which had always been run by homegrown managers.

Write to Noémie Bisserbe at [e-mail]

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