It has been a rough initiation for Gérard Le Fur in his new job as chief executive of Sanofi-Aventis. His most promising drug – an aid that helps smokers quit and also suppresses appetite – was rejected earlier this year by US regulators; his company’s shares fell last month after it revealed its drugs pipeline; and on the day we meet, three animal rights activists are protesting at the entrance to his headquarters, calling for his business to be closed immediately.

But Mr Le Fur does not look like a man under pressure as he strides to the door of his airy Parisian office, which is decorated with works by contemporary artist Robert Combas and overlooks the Seine. The 57-year-old Frenchman greets a colleague by his first name and embraces him on both cheeks, before settling into a deep, black leather chair.