Top pharma firm names new HR head

The organization’s latest VP of HR joins the company following a stint at consulting giant Korn Ferry.

Top pharma firm names new HR head
A leading Canadian pharmaceutical firm has announced its new vice president of human resources with industry veteran Carina Vassilieva set to take the top spot.

“I am pleased to welcome Carina Vassilieva to the Purdue Pharma Canada team,” said Dr. Craig Landau, president and CEO of the Ontario-based organization.

“Carina’s diversified experience will help set strategic direction and enable the overall culture, health and wellbeing of the organization, including attracting and recognizing employees,” he added.

The firm currently employs more than 400 people across Canada and is considered a leader in the research and development of medicines for pain and central nervous system disorders.

“I’m excited to join the Purdue family as it continues to drive innovations that further the public health, support healthcare professionals, contribute to the community and help patients, ” said Vassilieva, who joins the firm from Korn Ferry.

“I look forward to continuing the organization’s commitment to ethical practices as the foundation for an agile and engaging environment in which employees can grow and succeed both here in Canada and around the world,” she added.

As well as a 20-month stint at Korn Ferry, Vassilieva has held senior HR positions at Sofina Foods, Katz Group Canada and the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan. She also teaches Strategic Compensation part time at the Georgian School of Business.

Vassilieva succeeds former VP Marguerite O’Neal who was with the organization for seven years.
“We thank Marguerite for her many contributions and wish her continued success in the new chapter of her life after retiring from Purdue Pharma Canada,” said CEO Landau.