INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) today announced that Michael J. Harrington will be promoted to senior vice president and general counsel effective Jan. 1, 2013. Harrington will replace Robert A. Armitage who will retire at the end of the year.
Harrington, vice president and deputy general counsel, is currently responsible for the legal function across Lilly's five business units. In his new role, he will report to John Lechleiter, Ph.D., chairman, president, and CEO, and will serve on the company's executive committee.
Commenting on Armitage's career, Lechleiter stated, "Bob Armitage has left a lasting impact on Lilly and the biopharmaceutical industry with his exceptional contributions, particularly in the field of intellectual property. He also has provided keen insight and extraordinary leadership across a range of business issues affecting our company. It's been an absolute privilege to work with him."
Armitage played a major role in the successful efforts leading to the passage last year of the America Invents Act, which made the most sweeping changes to U.S. patent law in 175 years. In 2011, he became one of a select group of only 47 individuals who have been inducted in the Intellectual Property Hall of Fame, which includes U.S. presidents Jefferson and Madison. Armitage joined Lilly in 1999 as vice president and general patent counsel, Lilly Research Laboratories. For the last decade, he has led Lilly's global legal organization as the company's general counsel.
Harrington is a graduate of the Columbia University School of Law. He joined the company in 1991 and has served in a number of business and legal positions with Lilly, including managing director of Eli Lilly New Zealand, general counsel for Lilly's Asia-Pacific operations and deputy general counsel with responsibility for all litigation, manufacturing, environmental and human resources matters.
"We are very fortunate to have Mike Harrington to take Bob's place. Mike is well-prepared for his new assignment. He has been instrumental in handling many of the key legal challenges we have faced in the last few years. His extensive global experience, deep knowledge of the business, and his passion for Lilly's mission will serve our company well," said Lechleiter.
About Eli Lilly and Company
Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing portfolio of pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Lilly provides answers – through medicines and information ─ for some of the world's most urgent medical needs. Additional information about Lilly is available at www.lilly.com. C-LLY
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