Ricks David A

Biography

  Eli Lilly and Company announced that John C. Lechleiter, chairman, president and chief executive officer, will retire as president and CEO and from the company effective December 31, 2016. Lilly's board of directors unanimously elected Dave Ricks, currently senior vice president and president, Lilly Bio-Medicines, to assume the role of president and chief executive officer. Ricks is a Purdue alumnus and a member of the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering advisory board. Ricks will join the Lilly board on January 1, 2017, and become chairman of the board on June 1, 2017. Lechleiter will serve as non-executive chairman of the board until May 31, 2017.“As Lilly transitions from our recent challenging period of patent expirations to a new era of growth, it is the logical time for a transition in company leadership,” Lechleiter said.  “Dave Ricks is a capable, decisive and energetic leader who is very well prepared to succeed me as CEO.  He brings to the role broad experience in Lilly's commercial operations along with an appreciation and understanding of research and development.  He previously led Lilly's business operations in Canada, China, and the U.S.  Since 2012, he has successfully guided Lilly's largest business area, Lilly Bio-Medicines, through a period of profound change.  He is well respected inside and outside the company, consistently builds exceptional teams, and sets high standards of performance.  Dave is well suited to help Lilly capitalize on the opportunities before it, as well as to confront the inevitable challenges that lie ahead.  He will provide outstanding leadership for our company in the coming years.”  

Research Interest

  urology, immunology, musculoskeletal disease,