Healthcare >> CEO Interviews >> May 31, 1999

Jacques R. Lapointe – Biochem Pharma Inc

JACQUES R. LAPOINTE was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer of BioChem Pharma Inc. in May, 1998. In this capacity, Mr. Lapointe oversees all aspects of the company's operations, with the exception of research and development and strategic investments. He is also a member of BioChem Pharma's Board of Directors. Born in Ottawa, Mr. Lapointe received a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Sir George Williams University (now Concordia University) in 1974, as well as a Finance- oriented Master's degree in Business Administration from Concordia University in 1977. He also completed an Executive Program in Business Administration at Columbia University in 1981. Mr. Lapointe brings to BioChem Pharma over 29 years of international pharmaceutical experience. In 1986, he joined the Glaxo Wellcome organization where he successively held the positions of Chairman, President and CEO of Glaxo Canada, Inc.; Chairman and Managing Director of Glaxo Wellcome UK Limited; and Director of (Group VP) Global Business Development and Information Systems of Glaxo Wellcome PLC. He was also a member of the group's Executive Committee from 1995 to 1998. Prior to joining the Glaxo Wellcome organization, Mr. Lapointe held roles of increasing responsibility throughout a 17-year tenure with the Johnson & Johnson organization, culminating as Executive Vice President responsible for Marketing & Sales, New Business Development and Technical Operations with McNeil Pharmaceuticals Canada, Inc., a J&J subsidiary. Mr. Lapointe also served as Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Canada (PMAC). Profile
TWST: Let's start out by your giving us a brief overview of BioChem

Pharma, your history, your activities, products, customers, those kinds

of things.

Mr. Lapointe: The company has been in