Pharmaceutical firm Sanofi-Aventis, Bridgewater, NJ, has announced that Chris Viehbacher, a former GlaxoSmithKline executive, will succeed Gerard Le Fur as CEO on Dec. 1.

Reportedly, under Mr. Viehbacher, Sanofi-Aventis will attempt to diversify its activities by investing in dietary supplements. One of the new CEO’s missions will be to multiply acquisitions in the field of vitamins and minerals and other dietary supplements.

Mr. Viehbacher will pursue Sanofi-Aventis’ redefined strategy, which focuses on research and development adapted to new regulatory and economic constraints of the market, strengthening its presence in emerging segments and developing other activities related to medicine and healthcare.