Robert Becker, M.D. has been appointed to the newly created position of chief research officer of Eurand SpA, effective April 20th. He is based at the company’s Milan office and will oversee all research and formulation development activities worldwide.

“Robert is an important and welcome addition to Eurand’s global leadership team,” said Gearóid Faherty, chairman and chief executive officer. “His extensive experience in product development will help to fuel our continuing growth as a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the gastroenterology market.”

Dr. Becker has 25 years of pharmaceutical industry experience, most recently at Biogen Idec, where he served as senior director, Small Molecule Development International. He managed all CMC-related small molecule activities. His also served in a broad range of senior management positions in R&D at Lilly Research Laboratories and Boehringer Ingelheim.