Ricks is Lilly Veteran

(Pictured from left-to-right: John Lechleiter

Outgoing Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly and Co. (NYSE: LLY) Chief Executive Officer John Lechleiter says Dave Ricks has been a "key architect" as Lilly navigated one of the most difficult financial periods in Lilly history. The company has had to re-tool after losing exclusive rights to several key treatments. Ricks says the right strategy is already in motion to further the 140 year-old business and its reloaded pipeline.

Ricks has been with Lilly since 1996 and has served as president of Lilly Bio-Medicines since 2012. His career at Lilly has also included roles as president of Lilly USA and president and general manager of Lilly China. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Purdue University and an MBA from Indiana University. He sits on multiple outside boards for organizations including the Riley Children’s Foundation, the Crossroads of America Council of Boy Scouts of America and the Purdue University Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering.

During his introduction today at the company’s global headquarters in downtown Indianapolis, Ricks discussed what lies ahead. "Now we must realize our potential in an increasingly challenging global marketplace," Ricks said. "We must focus on delivering better and better medicines to the patients that need them and in doing so, benefit our employees, our communities and our shareholders, alike."