Lilly China GM promoted to Lilly USA president

INDIANAPOLIS The head of drug maker Eli Lilly & Co.’s China division will become leader of its U.S. division.

Lilly announced Tuesday the promotion of Lilly China general manager David Ricks to president of Lilly USA. Ricks replaces Enrique Conterno, who was named leader of the company’s new Diabetes Business Unit as part of a company reorganization announced Sept. 14.

Ricks, who has worked for the company for 13 years, said he was “honored” to be chosen for the position at Lilly USA, considered the company’s largest established market. Ricks worked in the U.S. affiliate from 1998 to 2002 as a marketing manager and as district sales manager. Most recently, he served as general manager of Lilly Canada from 2005 to 2008 and as general manager of Lilly China since July 2008.

“Under Dave’s leadership, Lilly China has embarked upon an ambitious expansion of our sales and marketing organization to compete in this rapidly growing market,” Established Markets Business Unit head Bryce Carmine said in a statement. “Dave is a proven leader who has delivered strong results in each and every role he has held in the company.”