French drugmaker Sanofi-Aventis SA said it has decided to separate the post of chairman and CEO into two jobs, naming research director Gerard Le Fur as its new chief executive.

Jean-Francois Dehecq retains his post as chairman after Thursday's decision by the board of directors. He had been chairman and CEO for 18 years.

Sanofi-Aventis is the world's second-largest drugmaker by prescription drug sales. In October, it reported a 12 percent drop in third quarter profit.

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