Hospira appoints senior vice-president for quality

Hospira has hired Francois Dubois as senior vice-president for quality, a newly-created position designed to help oversee the company's global quality systems.

Mr Dubois, a former employee of Tengion and Johnson and Johnson, will assume the title on January 3rd 2011, becoming a member of Hospira's senior leadership team and reporting directly to chairman and chief executive officer Christopher Begley.

In his most recent role, the industry veteran served as vice-president of quality for Tengion, taking responsibility for the biotechnology firm's quality and compliance initiatives.

It is hoped that his appointment will allow Hospira to ensure that its products and processes meet exacting internal and external standards, which will ultimately benefit patients.

Mr Begley said: "With his proven track record in working with regulatory bodies around the world and implementing robust global quality systems, Frans' appointment reinforces Hospira's commitment to establishing quality as a strategic, competitive advantage."

Last month, the company published its financial report for the third quarter of 2010, during which it generated $949.3 million (596 million pounds) in net sales, while increasing its research investments.