Novartis appoints new head of OTC division

Novartis has announced the appointment of Brian McNamara as the new division head of its over-the-counter (OTC) business unit.

Mr McNamara brings more than two decades of experience in consumer marketing to the role, having occupied a number of important position with Novartis OTC since joining the organisation from Procter and Gamble in 2004.

He acted as regional head for Novartis OTC Europe from 2007 to 2010 and played a key role in various strategic product acquisitions, including gaining rights for the Prevacid Rx-to-OTC switch.

Mr McNamara has been appointed as the successor to Naomi Kelman, who is leaving Novartis after joining the company around a year ago.

Joseph Jimenez, chief executive officer of Novartis, said: "I am confident that Brian will provide strong leadership, focusing on growing our priority brands, consistently meeting our quality standards and improving performance in key emerging markets."

Last year, the company achieved a 16 percent year-on-year increase in annual sales, with various strategic plans being put in place to maintain this momentum into 2012.