BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. announced that Pierre Lapalme has elected to step down as Chairman of the company's Board of Directors following the annual meeting of stockholders anticipated in June 2015. Mr. Lapalme will seek re-election to serve as a Director on BioMarin's Board at the meeting. Following Mr. Lapalme's decision, the Board elected to revise the organizational structure of the Board and the company.

The Board created the position of Lead Independent Director to serve as a liaison between the Chief Executive Officer and the independent directors, and to facilitate discussions and deliberation among the independent directors in fulfilling their oversight responsibilities for the company. The Board has determined that Richard Meier will serve as the Lead Independent Director effective on Mr. Lapalme stepping down as Chairman. Also effective on Mr. Lapalme stepping down as Chairman, to better align the operational leadership of the company, the Board has determined Jean-Jacques Bienaim, Chief Executive Officer of BioMarin, will assume the role of Chairman of the Board.