Baxter International has appointed Mr José (Joe) Almeida as the company's chairman and chief executive officer (CEO), effective January 1, 2016. Almeida will join the company immediately as an executive officer to facilitate a smooth leadership transition.
Almeida, 53, will succeed Robert L Parkinson, Jr., who has served as the company's chairman and CEO since 2004 and will retire from these roles January 1, 2016, with a brief transition period thereafter. Upon retirement, Parkinson will assume the title of Chairman Emeritus.
"Joe brings to Baxter tremendous experience in the global medical products marketplace and has a demonstrated record of improving profitability and creating value for all stakeholders," said Parkinson. "His deep understanding of the complex global supply chain will be a great strength for the company as he oversees a broad portfolio of medically necessary products across a geographically expansive marketplace. What Joe brings to Baxter in skill and experience is imperative to the company's stated goal of accelerating profitable growth over the near and long term."
Mr Almeida served as chairman, president and CEO of Covidien from 2012 through 2015 and was named a director of the company in 2011.
