Christina Ackermann has been named executive vice president and general counsel of Valeant, reporting to chief executive officer, Joseph C. Papa. For the past 14 years, Ms. Ackermann has served in various legal roles at the Novartis group of companies, most recently as senior vice president, general counsel for Alcon, where she was responsible for the Legal, Intellectual Property and Compliance functions.

“We are fortunate to have Christina as our new General Counsel,” said Mr. Papa. “Her qualifications and track record of dealing successfully with complex legal and compliance issues make her an ideal addition to the Valeant team, and I am confident that she will provide sound counsel and support to our business leaders around the world.”

Also, Scott Hirsch has joined the company as senior vice president, business strategy and communications. Mr. Hirsch joins the company from Citadel Investment Group, where he oversaw equity investments and risk management decisions within the Health Care sector at Surveyor Capital. 

“I have known Scott for many years – both as an investor and an analyst – and I think he is an extraordinary addition to the Valeant team,” said Mr. Papa. “His insights into the sector and knowledge of Valeant’s businesses will be invaluable as we take further action to stabilize and transform the company.”

The company also made several changes and promotions among key senior leadership. Dr. Ari Kellen will serve as executive vice president and company group chairman, and will lead the Bausch & Lomb business. Anne Whitaker will serve in the same role for branded pharmaceuticals businesses, including Salix, Dermatology, Dendreon, Orapharma and Women’s Health, as well as Canada and U.S. Market Access and Commercial Services. Tom Appio will be promoted to executive vice president and company group chairman, and will lead all of Valeant’s markets outside the U.S. and Canada.