Lilly appoints temporary chief executive officer

Lilly has announced that its executive vice-president, global services and chief financial officer Derica Rice will take on the additional role of acting chief executive officer (CEO) while Dr John Lechleiter recovers from surgery.

On May 13th 2013, company chairman, president and CEO Dr Lechleiter underwent scheduled surgery for a dilated aorta and is now recovering from the operation, under close observation from medical staff.

Mr Rice is taking over CEO responsibilities for a temporary period in accordance with the company's bylaws, while Ellen Marram, the board's lead independent director, will serve as acting chairperson of the board of directors.

Dr Kristine Courtney, senior director of Lilly's corporate health services, said: "Dr Lechleiter's surgeons have advised us that surgery went as expected and the repair to the aorta is functioning as intended."

Dr Lechleiter has been with Lilly since 1979 and has served as president and CEO of the company since 2008.