Hollings C. Renton, Onyx Pharmaceuticals’ chief executive officer, announced plans to retire next year. Mr. Renton will remain chairman of the board of directors. The company has initiated a search for a successor. The company has promoted Laura A. Brege to the newly created position of executive vice president and chief operating officer and Randy A. Kelley to senior vice president of sales and marketing.
   
“With Nexavar established as an effective and well tolerated anti-cancer drug and with broad development and commercial plans in place, Onyx is poised to enter a new phase of corporate growth,” said Renton. “After almost 15 years as CEO, it’s the perfect time for me to relinquish my operating role so I can spend more time with my family. I am committed to the company and its continued success, and will remain closely involved until a successor is appointed, and subsequently as chairman.”
   
Ms. Brege joined the company in June 2006 as executive vice president and chief business officer. In her new role, she will be responsible for the sales and marketing, medical affairs, legal, business development, and compliance functions. Ms. Brege has overseen the expansion of key corporate capabilities and strengthened Onyx’s financial position by significantly adding to its cash reserves. Before joining the company, she was a general partner at Red Rock Management, a venture capital firm. She was previously the senior vice president and chief financial officer at COR Therapeutics. Earlier in her career, Ms. Brege served as vice president and chief financial officer at Flextronics and vice president and treasurer of The Cooper Companies.  
   
“Since her arrival at Onyx, Laura has overseen the expansion of key corporate capabilities, guided our business planning, and strengthened our financial position,” said Mr. Renton. “Laura’s superb leadership skills and diverse experience will help ensure Onyx continues to deliver on our mission to improve the lives of people living with cancer.”
   
Mr. Kelley, previously vice president of sales, joined the company in September 2004. While at Onyx, he established its U.S. sales organization and managed, with the company’s collaborator, Bayer, the successful launch of the kidney cancer drug, Nexavar. From 1994 to 2004, Mr. Kelley served in various senior sales and marketing positions at Chiron Corp., including vice president, North American sales for the company’s biopharmaceutical division. Previously he was vice president of sales at Immunex Corp. and held various sales management positions at Adria Laboratories.