Abbott announces new president and COO

Abbott Laboratories has announced that a new president and chief operating officer (COO) has been named.

The news comes with the revelation that current president and COO, Dr Jeffrey M Leiden, intends to vacate the position to pursue other career interests.

Richard A Gonzalez, who will consolidate his current position as president and COO of the medical products group with the same role in the pharmaceutical products group, will fill the position.

“Jeff has made significant contributions to our pharmaceutical products group and we wish him well in his new endeavours,” said Miles D White, chairman and chief executive officer at Abbott.

“Rick is a 29-year Abbott veteran and an exceptional leader with a proven record of achievement. He has created a portfolio of global medical products businesses that is delivering double-digit growth; built a strong medical products pipeline; and attracted and developed an impressive leadership team.”

He will take up the position at the healthcare company, which markets products in over 130 countries worldwide, from March 27th, Abbott has said.

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