Baxalta names Leonardi to executive role

DEERFIELD - Baxalta, the global biopharmaceutical company created by the split of Baxter International, named Jacopo Leonardi as executive vice president and president, Immunology.

Leonardi will be responsible for leading Baxalta's immunology division, a core therapeutic area for the company, reporting to Ludwig Hantson, chief executive officer and president. An immediate priority will be to advance Baxalta's leadership position in immunology with the successful launch of its latest portfolio addition, Hyqvia [Immune Globulin Infusion 10 percent with Recombinant Human Hyaluronidase] for the treatment of adults with primary immunodeficiency. Baxalta is a leader in developing and manufacturing a variety of plasma-based therapies for rare diseases and recently acquired a novel technology platform for autoimmune and allergic diseases with the SuppreMol acquisition.

"Jacopo is a seasoned, inspirational leader with extensive experience in building successful, sustainable businesses across multiple therapeutic areas," said Hantson. "His expertise in orphan diseases and his commitment to serve patients will be instrumental in bringing innovative therapies to market."

Prior to Baxalta's establishment as an independent company, Leonardi held roles within Baxter BioScience, serving as the regional head of North American Hematology, vice president of U.S. Sales and Marketing for BioTherapeutics and general manager for U.S. Hemophilia. Before joining Baxter in 2009, Leonardi spent nearly 15 years in key development and leadership roles in technical service, sales, global new product development and U.S. brand management at Unilever, Eli Lilly and Johnson & Johnson.

Leonardi received his bachelor's degree from Rutgers University and his master of business administration degree from Duke University.