Purdue Pharma names Mark Timney president and CEO

Privately-held US drugmaker Purdue Pharma has appointed Mark Timney as president and chief executive. He succeeds John Stewart, who has retired from Purdue.

Mr Timney brings more than 20 years of pharmaceutical sales and marketing experience to Purdue, including success in designing and executing strategies to achieve market leadership. Prior to joining Purdue, he was president of Merck & Co US, where he managed sales and marketing, managed markets and payers. With his guidance, Purdue will continue advancing breakthrough R&D initiatives and pioneering new commercial models, the company said.

"We found a proven leader in Mark Timney," said Raymond Sackler, co-founder and board member of Purdue, adding: "I am confident that his capabilities and experience, coupled with Purdue's culture of excellence, will grow our business and strengthen our health care industry leadership."