Tauzin leaving CEO post at PhRMA

Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America President and CEO Billy Tauzin will end his leadership of the powerful trade and lobbying association for drugmakers on June 30, according to a statement released by PhRMA.

Tauzin, 66, has led the organization for more than five years. No specific reason was given for the planned departure, but Tauzin is expected to continue as a consultant to PhRMA. In the statement, Tauzin said he thought it was time to move on and hand the reins to new leadership. He added that he wanted “to explore the many other interests I would like to pursue.”

Tauzin, a former congressman who represented a Louisiana district from 1980 to 2005, brought Capitol Hill relationships with him when he took over leadership of PhRMA in 2005. He is also a cancer survivor.

PhRMA said in its statement that it has already launched a search for Tauzin's replacement. Tauzin ranked No. 39 on Modern Healthcare's annual list of the 100 Most Powerful People in Healthcare in 2009.

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