Bayer Animal Health appoints new divisional head

Bayer Animal Health has announced the appointment of Dr Dirk Ehle as its new divisional head, effective as of May 1st 2012.

Dr Ehle first joined the Bayer group as an attorney in the legal department in 2001 before transferring to the corporate centre in 2006, eventually becoming senior Bayer representative for central Eastern Europe and head of Bayer HealthCare in Poland in 2010.

The 42-year-old will succeed Dr Jean-Luc Lowinski, who is leaving the company at his own request, while the appointment will also see Dr Ehle become a member of Bayer HealthCare's executive committee.

Bayer Animal Health remains one of the world's leading manufacturers of veterinary medicines, with turnover of 1.19 billion euros (971.18 million pounds) in 2011.

It is responsible for manufacturing and marketing more than 100 different drugs and care products for livestock and companion animals.

Earlier this year, the company expanded its operations through the acquisition of the animal health division of KMG Chemicals, a move that will greatly enhance its insecticides offering.