Novartis AG Tries More Exec Level OTC Switches

Stung by the ongoing problems at its consumer health manufacturing plant in Nebraska, Novartis has made yet another series of managerial changes in its over-the-counter division. The drugmaker, which reported a quarterly earnings drop that was attributed in part to the problems, has also created a new team to coordinate quality control upgrades among all divisions that are undergoing “committed remediation efforts,” according to a memo from Novartis ceo Joe Jimenez. Among the shifts, Thorsten Hartig was appointed to run US manufacturing for the OTC unit. And Didier Colombeen was named head of global manufacturing and supply, which involves running all aspects of manufacturing operations and the supply chain. Colombeen succeeds Cath Malseed, who has left Novartis to “pursue other career opportunities,” the memo states. Meanwhile, Rick Lloyd is now region head for the Americas for the OTC.

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