Forest Laboratories, a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the U.S., has announced appointments to its executive leadership team as part of its plans to flatten and broaden the organization during Project Rejuvenate.

"We are announcing an important step to rejuvenate our company by creating the first Forest executive team with broad leadership responsibilities, a sharp focus and clear accountability for driving sustainable growth," said Brent Saunders, CEO and president Forest Laboratories.

Elaine Hochberg has been appointed executive vice president, international, strategic planning and government affairs. Bill Meury was appointed executive vice president, sales and marketing. Frank Perier, Jr., now is executive vice president, chief financial officer. Marco Taglietti, M.D., is executive vice president, drug R&D, and chief medical officer. Bob Bailey is senior vice president, chief legal officer, general counsel and corporate secretary. Alex Kelly has been appointed senior vice president, chief communications and investor relations officer. Sally Paull was appointed senior vice president, human resources. Kevin Walsh now is senior vice president, operations. Joe Zimmerman has been appointed senior vice president, chief compliance officer.

David Solomon, senior vice president, corporate development and strategic planning, will become senior advisor to the chief executive officer responsible for business development and alliance management on a transitional basis.

"Solomon played an instrumental role in driving and executing our company's successful Next 9 Strategy, which has given us a solid foundation of future growth drivers," said Saunders. "During his transition period, I will draw on David's experience and counsel as we embark on our company's next chapter."

The next step in Project Rejuvenate is for the Forest executive team to design and staff their respective teams in a manner consistent with the principles of flattening and broadening the organization.