LEAMINGTON SPA, England, October 4, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Hospira , a global specialty pharmaceutical and medication delivery company, announced today that Svend Andersen has been named corporate vice president and president, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). In this capacity, he will be responsible for developing strategy, delivering growth and attaining market leadership in the EMEA region. Andersen, 48, will report to Ron Squarer, senior vice president and chief commercial officer, effective Nov. 1, 2010.

Svend is an accomplished, dynamic and ambitious business leader who brings global experience in driving profitable growth and creating value within the generics and branded pharmaceuticals spaces, Squarer said. In his more than 20 years in the healthcare industry, he has compiled a strong track record of introducing new products, developing markets and building teams, all of which will be essential as Hospira takes on new opportunities and grows its current business in the EMEA.

Under Andersen's leadership, Hospira will advance its EMEA strategy, which includes expanding the company's geographic footprint, growing its leading position in generic injectable pharmaceuticals and biosimilars, and increasing market share in infusion devices and consumables. Sales in the EMEA comprised 14 percent of Hospira's total sales in 2009.

Most recently, Andersen served as executive vice president, Western Europe, at Actavis, the world's fifth largest generic specialty pharmaceutical company. There, he drove significant growth in the company's hospital business, led five acquisitions, opened subsidiaries in six European countries and, in 2009, launched over 300 products and brands. He led the regional expansion from eight to 15 markets, and bolstered the company's positions in the United Kingdom, Germany, Benelux and the Nordic countries. He also was responsible for commercial operations, finance, supply, regulatory and business development, with oversight of legal and intellectual property.

Prior to joining Actavis, Andersen was vice president, general manager at Alpharma, a global specialty pharmaceutical company, where he directed strategy, restructured the organisation and revitalised the business prior to its acquisition by Actavis. He has also served as vice president, commercial operations, at Ferrosan, a consumer healthcare and medical devices company, and worked as a business consultant to four start-up companies.

Andersen earned his Bachelor of Science in Economic Sciences and degrees in International Marketing; Organisational Behaviours and Strategic Planning; and Advanced Advertising, all at Copenhagen Business School.

About Hospira

Hospira, Inc. is a global specialty pharmaceutical and medication delivery company dedicated to Advancing Wellness(TM). As the world leader in specialty generic injectable pharmaceuticals, Hospira offers one of the broadest portfolios of generic acute-care and oncology injectables, as well as integrated infusion therapy and medication management solutions. Through its products, Hospira helps improve the safety, cost and productivity of patient care. The company is headquartered in Lake Forest, Ill., and has more than 13,500 employees. The head office for Hospira in Europe, Middle East and Africa is in Leamington Spa, UK. Learn more at http://www.hospira.com.

SOURCE: Hospira

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