To streamline global operations, enhance productivity and position itself for growth, Eli Lilly and Co. recently revealed various personnel and structural adjustments to better align the Indianapolis-based pharmaceutical firm with desired outcomes.
The organizational shifts were implemented to help the company prepare for progress in the areas of cancer, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, neurodegeneration and pain, according to Lilly President and CEO David Ricks. A moderate reduction in leadership positions will create an opportunity for optimizing efficiency, he said.
"Lilly begins 2017 with a clear view of its opportunities for growth in the years ahead,” Ricks said. "The adjustments … to pharmaceutical therapeutic and geographic business areas are designed to maximize the potential of our late-stage pipeline and newly launched medicines, while improving productivity."
As of Feb. 1, the company’s human pharmaceutical therapeutic business areas for diabetes, oncology and bio-medicines will take charge of products in China in addition to its existing markets in the U.S., Canada and Japan. Its diabetes division will oversee human pharmaceutical operations in all four nations.
Additionally, Lilly’s emerging markets sector will join with the company’s European base to create Lilly International, led by Alfonso (Chito) Zulueta as president of Lilly International and senior vice president of Lilly.
Beginning April 3, Christi Shaw will step up to fill David Ricks’ shoes as bio-medicines division president and senior vice president. Sue Mahony will continue as senior vice president of Lilly and president of Lilly Oncology.
Enrique Conterno, senior vice president of Lilly and president of Lilly Diabetes, will assume additional responsibilities as president of Lilly USA. Finally, Lilly USA’s president Alex Azar plans to depart for other career opportunities.
“With clear priorities and the right structure, achieving growth while improving our productivity will go hand-in-hand,” Ricks said, expressing confidence in the changes.
