Gilead Sciences Inc. announced that Alessandro Riva, MD, will join the company as Senior Vice President, Hematology and Oncology Therapeutic Area Head. In this position, Dr. Riva will report to John McHutchison, MD, Executive Vice President, Clinical Research and will have responsibility for Gilead’s hematology and oncology programs. Alessandro will also join Gilead’s Executive Committee. Dr. Riva joins Gilead from Novartis Oncology, where he served as Head, Global Oncology Development. He was responsible for the development of more than 20 cancer compounds, including targeted and immune-oncology therapies and for many worldwide regulatory approvals of innovative medicines in both solid and hematological malignancies. He was also a member of the Novartis Oncology Division Executive Committee, Development Committee, Translational and Early Development Committee and Innovation Management Board. During his 12 year tenure at Novartis he was involved in several worldwide drug approvals. Prior to joining Novartis, Dr. Riva co-founded the Breast Cancer International Research Group (BIRG) and Cancer International Research Group (CIRG), for which he served as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer.