SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Akesis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTCBB:AKES), an emerging diabetes drug-development company, today announced it has named Carl LeBel, Ph.D., as president and chief operating officer. Dr. LeBel has served on Akesis’ board of directors since December 2007. The company stated that current president, Jay Lichter, Ph.D., will retain the position of chief executive officer and add the title of chairman of the board of directors.