WASHINGTON — John Castellani has been named president and chief executive officer of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.

Castellani, who will assume his new role September 1, joins PhRMA after more than nine years as president and chief executive officer of the Business Roundtable, a leading association of chief executive officers.

He will succeed former PhRMA chief Billy Tauzin, who transitioned to a role as senior adviser earlier this year.

“The pharmaceutical industry touches millions of people around the world. The industry’s work saves and extends people’s lives every day,” says Castellani. “As U.S. health care reform is implemented I look forward to working with the dedicated people of the industry, public officials and other key stakeholders in the health care community to ensure that the benefits of the legislation help the most Americans possible.”

Before the Business Roundtable, Castellani served in leading posts at Tenneco Inc., the National Association of Manufacturers and TRW Inc. He began his career as an environmental scientist at General Electric Co.

“It’s important that we have the highest standard of leadership in this position, and we have that in John,” comments PhRMA chairman Jeff Kindler, who is chairman and chief executive officer of Pfizer Inc.