Lilly names new vice-president of communications

Lilly has appointed Jeffrey Winton as its new vice-president of communications in order to enhance its interactions with the global healthcare industry.

Mr Winton, the former co-owner and managing partner of communications and market research firm West Mill Consulting, will take up his position on October 11th 2010 and will also become a member of Lilly's global corporate affairs leadership team.

Prior to his time in charge of West Mill, the executive accrued a number of years of experience in leadership and communication roles at various major pharmaceutical firms, including Bayer HealthCare, Schering-Plough and Hoffman-La Roche.

In his new position at Lilly, he will take responsibility for all communication activities, including issues management, product publicity and dealings with employees.

Bart Peterson, senior vice-president for corporate affairs and communications at Lilly, said: "[Mr Winton] has a clear vision for how Lilly can expand and enhance our communications with an increasingly global audience."

The company is currently attending the European Association for the Study of Diabetes' annual meeting in Stockholm, where it is presenting data on the developmental progress of diabetes drugs Byetta and Bydureon.