Eli Lilly announces transitions in executive leadership

Patrik Jonsson, executive vice president and president, Lilly Cardiometabolic Health, and president, Lilly USA, will become executive vice president and president, Lilly International and will lead all markets outside the U.S. Jonsson's leadership of Lilly's cardiometabolic and U.S. businesses has driven significant growth and increased market leadership. That success, combined with his deep expertise in global launches, will help Lilly accelerate growth internationally.

Kenneth Custer, Ph.D., general manager of Lilly Canada, will be promoted to executive vice president and president, Lilly Cardiometabolic Health and will join Lilly's executive committee. A 16-year Lilly veteran, Custer began his career at Lilly in sales and marketing before transitioning to Lilly Research Laboratories (LRL), where he led the early development of key immunology and diabetes programs, including tirzepatide. He held roles of increasing responsibility within LRL, serving as senior vice president of Portfolio Strategy and head of Business Development.

"Thanks to Patrik's leadership, Lilly's cardiometabolic health and U.S. businesses have achieved tremendous growth over the past few years," said David A. Ricks, Lilly's chair and CEO. "With these changes, we will create the additional focus we need to reach the next level. I am confident that Patrik, Ilya and Ken will continue to advance our long-term strategy to discover, develop and deliver medicines that can help people live longer, healthier lives."