Eli Lilly welcomes new board member

Eli Lilly has a welcomed a new member to its board of directors with the election of United Parcel Services chief executive officer (CEO) Michael L Eskew.

Mr Eskew will now stand for election by the shareholders at Eli Lilly’s 2008 annual general meeting in April.

Sidney Taurel, Lilly chairman and CEO, expressed his delight in welcoming Mr Eskew to the company’s board.

“His extensive management experiences and his outstanding track record of leadership in a customer-centred organisation such as UPS ideally suit him to provide guidance and oversight to Lilly as it transforms itself into a truly patient-centred enterprise,” he confirmed.

Mr Eskew has served as chairman and CEO of UPS since 2002 and brings over 35 years of global corporate management experience to the new role.

Eli Lilly also announced the retirement of George M C Fisher from the board of directors which will take effect on April 21st 2008.

Mr Fisher is the former chairman and CEO of Motorola and Eastman Kodak Company and has served on the Lilly board since 200.

Lilly’s CEO Mr Taurel thanked Mr Fisher for his “invaluable source of guidance and leadership” that was given during his time on the board.

Last month, Eli Lilly chairman Sidney Taurel announced a “successful” year for the business, marked by strong financial results for the fourth quarter.