Pharmaceutics International Inc, a United States-based Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation, has named Kurt R Nielsen, PhD as its new president and CEO, effective immediately, it was reported yesterday.

Dr Nielsen is a pharmaceutical executive with more than 20 years of diverse experience, most recently as the president of Lupin Somerset, responsible for all of its generic and branded products. Prior to Lupin, he held the post of vice president, US Development, Portfolio and Launch Management at Sandoz Inc, where he was accountable for the US development of generic, OTC and specialty brand products. Dr Nielsen has also held positions at Catalent, where he was senior vice president of R&D and chief technology officer, and URL Pharma where he was the executive vice president, Pharmaceuticals.

Dr Abidi, the company's founder and executive chairman of the board of directors, said, 'The appointment of Dr Nielsen to the position of president and CEO reflects a further commitment to growth, building upon Pii's legacy of success, his diverse experiences, proven leadership and industry insights will be instrumental in achieving our strategic objectives.'