Eli Lilly selects Deane as president of manufacturing

Eli Lilly and Company on May 25 announced that Dr. Frank Deane, currently vice president in charge of quality, has been promoted to president of manufacturing. Deane will succeed Scott Canute, who has led the manufacturing organization since 2001. Canute, after six years of successfully leading a transformation in the company's manufacturing operations, is taking a leave of absence from the company to pursue a personal developmental opportunity.

Deane joined Lilly in 1979 at the company's manufacturing operations in Kinsale, Ireland, and held a number of manufacturing positions there until transferring to Lilly's Clinton Laboratories in Indiana in 1986. After a role in development projects management in Indianapolis, Deane moved to Puerto Rico, where he had general management responsibility for drug product and active pharmaceutical ingredient production. Deane returned to Indianapolis in 1993 as the general manager of Lilly's U.S. pharmaceutical manufacturing operations, and then in 1997, he assumed responsibilities for the company's worldwide active pharmaceutical ingredient operations. He was named to his current role as vice president in charge of quality in 2001.

"Frank brings over 28 years of manufacturing and quality experience to his new role," said Sidney Taurel, chairman and chief executive officer. "He has been instrumental in ensuring global quality standards and systems throughout the company, and we are pleased that we will have his experience and leadership in the coming years as we continue to develop and manufacture important medicines."

Deane will report to John C. Lechleiter, Ph.D., president and chief operating officer. He will remain a member of the company's operations committee, and will also join the corporate policy and strategy committee. Deane will assume his new role effective June 1, 2007.