Novartis Names Thomas Ebeling Worldwide Head of Nutrition

Novartis has appointed Thomas Ebeling as CEO of the company's nutrition business worldwide. Moving from his current position as head of Novartis Nutrition Germany and Austria, Ebeling will assume his responsibilities on December 1, 1997.

Dr. Daniel Vasella, president of Novartis and head of the executive committee, commented: "Thomas Ebeling has the drive and skills to generate strong growth and financial performance in our nutrition business. This is an exciting time for Novartis Nutrition as we intensify our focus on science-based nutrition and explore synergies between our healthcare and nutrition activities."

Ebeling joined Novartis Nutrition in June 1997 after spending several years in general management and marketing with Pepsi in Europe. "The Novartis nutrition business is an exciting challenge," stated Ebeling, "and I am looking forward to the opportunity to move with a new, focused strategy to build our global leadership in the specialized nutrition segment. Functional food is a fascinating, high-potential new area, and we aim to be at the forefront of developing this new business."

Novartis Nutrition is one of the largest specialized nutrition companies in the world. It is the number-one health food marketer in Europe, holds the number two position worldwide in medical nutrition, and, with Gerber, is the world's leader in jarred infant and baby food.