Biogen Idec COO plans to retire in December as company prepares to name new chief

Biogen Idec COO plans to retire in December

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Biotechnology company Biogen Idec Inc. said Monday that its chief operating officer plans to retire at the end of the year.

The announcement comes as Biogen prepares to name a new CEO to replace James C. Mullen, 51, who is retiring effective Tuesday. Biogen said Monday that it will choose a successor in the next few weeks.

COO Robert A. Hamm, 58, plans to retire Dec. 31 after 16 years at Biogen, the company said.