Sebastian Guth, Bayer’s current president of Pharmaceuticals Americas, was appointed as senior Bayer representative and president of Bayer U.S., according to a Wednesday announcement from the Whippany-based life sciences company. Guth will report to his leadership role, which oversees all Bayer U.S. operations, on June 30.
Patrick Lockwood-Taylor, president, Bayer U.S., and president, Consumer Health North America, is leaving the company at month’s end. Dave Tomasi was earlier named president, Consumer Health North America.
An inventive and inspirational leader, Guth has been with Bayer for 17 years. He will retain leadership of the Pharmaceuticals business for the U.S., a critical growth market for the company, and Canada. Bayer will shift oversight of the company’s Latin America Pharmaceuticals business to Heike Prinz, head of commercial operations for the EMEA Pharmaceuticals business.
“I am honored to lead Bayer U.S.,” Guth said. “I look forward to working with the country leadership team and the entire organization in this new capacity, as we continue to accelerate growth and foster an inclusive, vibrant and entrepreneurial culture in the U.S. I am excited about our future.”
Guth has played an instrumental role in driving growth and innovation. Most recently, as president of Bayer’s Pharmaceuticals business for the Americas region, he has led the successful turnaround of the U.S. business, reigniting the company’s growth momentum and expanding its commercial footprint. Guth’s leadership has delivered results in both strategic and operational roles at the most senior levels in a variety of settings and cultures. Prior to his current role, he served as executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Bayer’s global pharmaceuticals business. Previously, Guth served as CEO and president of Bayer Yakuhin Ltd., Osaka, leading Bayer’s health care business in Japan.
“Sebastian Guth is a seasoned leader who has successfully guided the North America Pharmaceuticals business to growth, with a focus on strategy and innovation that has benefitted countless patients and helped strengthen Bayer,” Wolfgang Nickl, chief financial officer and member of the board of management at Bayer, said. “His experience and deep understanding of the business, customers and other stakeholders will benefit our entire U.S. organization and help advance Bayer’s global success.”
Guth started his career in the pharmaceuticals industry with Schering AG, where he held senior roles in Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Following Bayer’s acquisition of Schering in 2006, Sebastian served as CEO of Bayer Turk, Istanbul, and was senior representative of the Bayer Group in Turkey.
A strong advocate for workplace culture, including advancing diversity, equity & inclusion, Guth currently serves as Bayer’s executive sponsor for GROW, the company’s business resource group focused on advocating for women’s advancement. He also works with partners across the pharmaceuticals industry through his role as a board member of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, chairing its FDA and Biomedical Research Committee.
