Forest Laboratories names new human resources head

Forest Laboratories has announced the appointment of healthcare sector veteran Karen Ling as its new senior vice-president and chief human resources officer.

Ms Ling joins the company from Merck Sharp and Dohme, where she served as senior vice-president for human resources within its global human health and consumer care businesses. Prior to this, she was employed by Schering-Plough and Wyeth.

In her new role at Forest, she will be responsible for leading the human resources organisation, including the talent management, leadership development, compensation and benefits and staffing functions.

She has been appointed as the successor to Sally Paull, who is leaving the company after more than four years.

Brent Saunders, chief executive officer and president of the company, said: "Ms Ling's skills and breadth of experience will be essential for Forest to retain develop and attract a best-in-class workforce capable of adapting to a changing environment."

This comes after the company announced a deal to acquire Aptalis, a specialist developer of gastrointestinal and cystic fibrosis therapies, earlier this month.