Brian McNamara named Division Head, Novartis OTC

Novartis named Brian McNamara to the position of Division Head of Novartis OTC (Over-the-Counter), effective immediately. McNamara replaces Naomi Kelman, who has decided to leave the company. Naomi joined Novartis in March 2011 from Johnson & Johnson where she held several roles in the Consumer, Medical Devices, and Diagnostic Sectors.

“I want to thank Naomi for her contributions to the business, and welcome Brian as the new head of our OTC division,” said Joseph Jimenez, CEO of Novartis. “Novartis OTC is an important part of our broad healthcare portfolio and I am confident that Brian will provide strong leadership, focusing on growing our priority brands, consistently meeting our quality standards, and improving performance in key emerging markets.”

Brian McNamara has more than 20 years of experience in consumer marketing. He started his career at Proctor & Gamble, where he spent several years in manufacturing management. He later moved into brand management where he led a number of P&G’s Fabric Care businesses. Since joining Novartis OTC in 2004, Mr. McNamara worked on a number of strategic initiatives, including the acquisition of several OTC brands. He also played a key role in acquiring the rights to the Prevacid® Rx-to-OTC switch. Mr. McNamara has a deep understanding of the European OTC market, having served as Region Head of Novartis OTC Europe from 2007-2010.

Mr. McNamara will take on responsibility for continuing to drive growth in Novartis OTC, ensuring high quality standards, as well as implementing innovative marketing initiatives. Novartis OTC is a world leader in the research, development, and marketing of OTC products. Novartis OTC has a robust portfolio of cough, cold, respiratory disease, digestive health and pain management medication as well as skin care products, smoking-cessation treatments and mineral supplements. Key OTC brands include Theraflu®, Triaminic®, Maalox®, Ex-Lax®, Gas-X®, Prevacid 24HR®, Excedrin® and Voltaren ®.