AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), a US-based pharmaceutical company, announced on Tuesday that it has named Robert A. Michael as its chief executive officer (CEO).

In the new role, Michael will be responsible for global commercial operations, finance, corporate human resources, global operations, business development and corporate strategy for the company.

Michael is to succeed Richard A. Gonzalez, who is retiring from the role of CEO and will become executive chairman of the board of directors effective 1 July 2024. The board has also named Michael as a member of the board of directors effective 1 July 2024.

Presently, Michael serves as the president and chief operating officer of AbbVie. He is a member of AbbVie's executive leadership team. He has earlier worked as vice chairman and president. He has 31 years of experience, which includes leadership roles across multiple businesses, including pharmaceuticals, aesthetics, diagnostics, diabetes care and nutrition. He has served as a member of the financial development program at Abbott and ultimately served as division controller, nutrition supply chain and division controller, molecular diagnostics, among other roles.