ROCHESTER, N.Y.—Bausch & Lomb has named Flemming Ornskov, MD, MPH, corporate vice president and global president, pharmaceuticals, responsible for the company’s prescription ophthalmic pharmaceuticals and generics, as well as its general eye health and vitamins businesses.

Most recently, Ornskov was CEO and president of LifeCycle Pharma, an emerging cardiovascular and transplantation specialty company, and prior to that he served as CEO and president of biotech start-up Ikaria, Inc. From 2002 to 2005, he was president of the Ophthalmics Business Unit for Novartis, and formerly led Novartis’ U.S. cardiovascular franchise. Ornskov has also held multiple positions at Merck & Co.

“Dr. Ornskov’s expertise in specialty and ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, plus his broad global experience developing pharmaceuticals from early stage discovery to market introduction, will help further accelerate Bausch & Lomb’s goal to create long-term value,” said Gerald M. Ostrov, Bausch & Lomb chairman and CEO. “Our pharmaceuticals business is the fastest growing component of the company, and Dr. Ornskov’s leadership will help create additional opportunities for technology commercialization and global markets penetration.”

Ornskov received his MD degree from the University of Copenhagen, as well as a MBA from INSEAD and a Master of Public Health degree from Harvard University.

He currently serves on several boards and is chairman of the board for Santaris Pharma A/S and Astion Pharma A/S.