(Reuters) -Gilead Sciences said on Thursday it has appointed Sanofi's Dietmar Berger as its chief medical officer, replacing incumbent Merdad Parsey, who is preparing to leave early next year.

Berger, who will join on Jan. 2, was most recently French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi's chief medical officer.

At the french drugmaker, he was also the global head of development, where he led development science, strategy and operations across the company's therapeutic areas of focus.

Berger joins Gilead at a time when the drugmaker has been increasing its focus on cancer treatments and drugs to treat inflammatory diseases.

"Dietmar's exceptional leadership in global drug development, his track record in delivering transformational therapies, and the breadth and depth of his experience make him an ideal choice as Gilead's Chief Medical Officer," said Gilead CEO Daniel O'Day.

Berger will take on responsibility for Gilead's virology, oncology and inflammation portfolio, and will oversee its global development and medical affairs organizations, the company said.

Prior to Sanofi, he served in senior development roles at Bayer and Amgen, among others.