Novartis appoints new head of OTC unit

Novartis has appointed Naomi Kelman as the new head of its over-the-counter (OTC) unit.

The move comes as the department becomes a separate division to the overall diversified healthcare portfolio of the group, with Ms Kelman – who previously managed various sectors within the Johnson and Johnson group – becoming a permanent member of the company's executive committee.

Reporting to chief executive officer Joseph Jimenez, it is hoped the appointment of the new head of the OTC unit will help to both "streamline and simplify" the decision-making process within Novartis.

Mr Jimenez said: "We look forward to Naomi joining our leadership team – her experience in consumer businesses, combined with her drive for results make her well-suited to run our OTC business."

Novartis achieved strong financial results in 2010, with an overall double-digit growth of some 14 per cent in net sales noted throughout the company and operating income up by 15 per cent.