United States-based Bristol-Myers Squibb has named Cancer Research UK's Karen Vousden as its director effective January 2017, it is reported today.

Presently, Vousden is the chief scientist at Cancer Research UK and is serving as group leader at the Francis Crick Institute in London and will also sit the pharma firm's Science and Technology Committee. She has more than 30 years' experience in cancer research and her earlier roles included director of the Beatson Institute for Cancer Research and leadership positions at the US National Cancer Institute.

Giovanni Caforio, BMS' chairman and chief executive officer, said, 'Karen is a world class cancer researcher and a highly accomplished leader in her field. Her understanding of cancer biology and immunology research will bring valuable insights to advancing our strategy and strong pipeline in oncology along with our broader pipeline of transformational medicines.'