After undergoing successful surgery for a dilated aorta on May 13, Eli Lilly (LLY +0.18%) Chairman, President, and CEO John Lechleiter has received medical clearance to return to his duties, the company announced today.
With Lechleiter's return, Derica Rice will revert to his former role as executive vice president, global services and CFO, after serving as Lilly's interim CEO, the company said. Lechleiter commented, "I want to thank and acknowledge Derica Rice for the important role he played during my absence, as well as Ellen Marram for her leadership of the Lilly board."
Lechleiter first joined Lilly in 1979 as a senior organic chemist in England, taking over the process research and development department in 1982. Lechleiter continually rose through the ranks of Lilly's executive ranks and was named CEO in 2008, followed by his appointment as chairman of the board the following year.
