The prominent trade group Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) has selected a new CEO, drawing from another trade organization.

John Castellani, who currently heads Business Roundtable, an association of corporate executives, will take the reins at PhRMA on Sept. 1, according to a release from the influential pharmaceutical lobbying group. He will serve as president and CEO of PhRMA.

The group’s previous president and CEO, Billy Tauzin, announced his resignation back in February amid the turmoil of health care reform negotiations, which he had a hand in. Tauzin has remained with the organization, however, in an advisory capacity.

According to PhRMA’s release, Castellani has presided over Business Roundtable for more than nine years. He possesses “extensive experience in business, public affairs and government relations,” the release stated.

Prior to running Business Roundtable, Castellani worked at Tenneco, the National Association of Manufacturers and TRW, the release said.

“In John, PhRMA is getting a president and CEO with exceptional policy-making experience and integrity,” said David Brennan, who heads AstraZeneca and led PhRMA’s search committee for Tauzin’s successor.

For more information, see the September edition of the FDA Advertising and Promotion Manual newsletter.