Sharon Leite has been Godiva Chocolatier president in North America since October 2017 will begin as Vitamin Shoppe CEO on Aug. 27. The firm agreed to part ways with former CEO Colin Watts in February after it reported 2017 net sales down 8.5% to $1.2bn for a net loss of $252.2m and $10.90 per share.

Merck adds to its immuno-oncology R&D heft with purchase of Rigontec, while Allergan will collaborate with Lyndra to produce once-weekly drugs for Alzheimer’s disease.

J&J is growing Listerine mouthwash sales tapping into local tastes while continuing a global marketing push, says consumer business chief Jorge Mesquita. The firm also is developing strategy to make its brands “ambidextrous,” competing among small as well as large businesses.

Swiss company Basilea has attracted Pfizer as a European partner for its antifungal Cresimba and plans to strengthen its development pipeline with licensed-in products and further collaborations.