U. names strategic initiative head

Former pharmaceutical company executive Les Hudson will assume the newly-created position of vice provost for strategic initiatives, Provost Robert Barchi announced yesterday.

The new position, which Hudson will assume on June 15, created by the Office of the Provost earlier this year, will be in charge of developing a strategy for technology transfer, entrepreneurial initiatives and corporate relations strategy, while overseeing the Center for Technology Transfer and newly-created Office of Corporate and Industrial Relations.

Hudson described his appointment as giving him "a personal sense of excitement" and being "timely," as Penn continues to be "a university on the move."

An England native, Hudson comes to Penn from Pharmacia Corporation, where he most recently served as group vice president and general manager. He was also a professor at St. George's Hospital Medical School in London.

Hudson "is in the unique position to help the University in these critical areas," Barchi said.

"Les will bring to the office a unique and very powerful background that provides academic experience with a long and successful track record with major pharmaceutical industries," he added.

Hudson looks forward to assuming his position, and he has plans to act on initiatives set in motion by the current administration.

"I will act both as the voice and as the open door of Penn," Hudson said. "The work under Rodin and Barchi has created three years of solid achievement."

He added that he hopes to help Penn enhance its commercial and intellectual strengths.

"We will work on the position of Penn in the city, the state and on the economic development of both the University and the state," he said.

"We have seen some very effective models which other universities have brought to fruition," Hudson said. "We want to not only accomplish what they have been able to, but do it in the spirit of Penn."

Although Hudson was born in England, he became a U.S. citizen three years ago.

"I am American by selection," Hudson said.

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.