Eli Lilly CEO Returns To Work After Surgery - Update

(RTTNews) - Drugmaker Eli Lilly and Co. (LLY) Monday said John Lechleiter has returned to his duties as chairman, president and chief executive officer, after undergoing a surgery for a dilated aorta.

It was on May 6 that Lilly said Lechleiter would undergo the surgery on May 13, after the condition was found during unrelated testing. He has been on medical leave.

Lilly said at that time that Lechleiter was expected to make a full recovery and return to his duties later this summer.

The drugmaker said today that Lechleiter's surgery and recovery were successful. He has been cleared by his personal physician and the company's employee health services physician to return to full-time work.

Derica Rice, executive vice president, Global Services and chief financial officer, assumed the additional role of acting chief executive officer during Lechleiter's surgery and recuperation period. Ellen Marram, the board's lead independent director, served as acting chairperson of the board of directors.

Rice will continue in his role as executive vice president, global services and chief financial officer while Marram will continue in her role as the board's lead independent director.

Lechleiter said, "I am overwhelmed and humbled by the tremendous support and well-wishes I have received from my friends and fellow Lilly colleagues around the world. I return to Lilly with renewed energy and enthusiasm, along with a new perspective on health and wellness and the critical importance of new medicines in advancing patient care.''

LLY closed at $50.58 on Friday.