Purdue Pharma

John H. Stewart has been named acting president of Purdue Pharma L.P. Mr. Stewart succeeds Michael Friedman who retired as president and chief executive officer after 22 years with the company. Mr. Stewart will focus on leading Purdue Pharma in the U.S. while continuing to serve as president of Purdue Pharma, Canada.

Throughout his 33-year career with Purdue Pharma, Canada, Mr. Stewart has held positions in clinical research, business development, product development, regulatory affairs and sales. He joined the company as a sales representative in 1974 and moved into clinical research two years later, holding positions of increasing responsibility in scientific affairs before being appointed executive vice president and general manager in 1989 and president in 2006.

“As a highly respected and seasoned professional, John is a welcomed addition to our executive team. His industry experience, management abilities and focus on actions that improve healthcare outcomes make him the ideal choice for Purdue, and we are confident that the company will be in excellent hands under his leadership,” said the Purdue Pharma board of directors.