Dentsply names Merck Sharpe and Dohme executive as director

Dentsply has announced the appointment of Willie Deese as a member of its board of directors.

Mr Deese is a pharmaceutical industry veteran who currently serves as executive vice-president of Merck Sharpe and Dohme, as well as acting as president of its manufacturing division.

His position places him in charge of 92 manufacturing sites spanning a total of 30 countries, while his previous roles have included positions at companies such as GlaxoSmithKline.

Mr Deese's initial term of membership of Dentsply's board commences immediately and continues until the company's 2012 annual shareholders' meeting.

Bret Wise, Dentsply's chairman and chief executive officer, said: "Willie is highly regarded in the pharmaceutical industry and will contribute to Dentsply's successful achievement of strategic business initiatives."

Earlier this month, the company published its financial results for 2010, a year which saw the dental supplies manufacturer achieve its best ever annual performance.