People In Brief

XanGo signs "direct sales legend": Lennon Ledbetter, an experienced network marketer and motivational speaker, becomes an independent distributor for direct seller XanGo. The Lehi, Utah-based marketer of mangosteen beverages and supplements and personal care products said Ledbetter joined its distributor ranks without a signing bonus or guaranteed position. Ledbetter said in an Aug. 18 release XanGo is "an innovative, energetic partner that shares my commitment to work with people to help them realize their dreams." The company is in the midst of aggressive international expansion, reaching eight additional countries in the past 15 months. XanGo said it currently has more than 1 million distributors in 35 countries.

Watson shuffles global exec roles: The Morristown, N.J.-based generics firm promotes Robert Stewart from senior VP to executive VP of global operations. Watson Pharmaceuticals CEO Paul Bisaro said Aug. 3 the move comes as operations and two other global business units - generics and brands - will be headed by executive VPs reporting to him. Bisaro added the promotion recognizes Stewart's role in integrating the recently acquired Arrow Group into Watson. Stewart, a former quality assurance and supply chain executive with Abbott Laboratories who was global operations senior VP since November 2009, assumes responsibility for managing Watson's global generics research and development activities, global operations and global quality and regulatory functions. Starting Sept. 1, Sigurdur Oli Olafsson becomes Watson's executive VP of global generics, Watson announced separately. Olafsson, former CEO of Actavis, replaces the retiring Thomas Russillo (¹ (Also see "People In Brief" - Pink Sheet, 12 Jul, 2010.)).

Herbalife names Greece director: The multi-level marketer appoints Manolis Leontzakos its director for Greece and Cyprus, with responsibility for growth and profitability in the countries. Leontzakos previously worked in sales, business development and market strategy planning for Procter & Gamble in Greece and Switzerland, and was a consumer goods sales development director for Carrefour Marinopoulos Hypermarkets in Greece. With Herbalife, Leontzakos will report to Edyta Kurek, VP of East Central Europe and the Middle East, the company said July 27. Herbalife entered the Greek market in 1996.

Tabak takes No. 2 NIH post: The National Institutes of Health appoints Lawrence Tabak principal deputy director. Tabak, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research director since 2000, replaces Raynard Kington, who is leaving to become the president of Grinnell (Iowa) College after working as deputy director since 2003. Tabak came to NIH from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, where he was senior associate dean for research, director of the Center for Oral Biology, professor of dentistry, biochemistry and biophysics. He maintained a lab at NIH to continue research on the biosynthesis and function of mucin-glycoproteins, molecules that help form the coating that protects the delicate inner soft tissues of the body. Tabak received an NIH Method to Extend Research In Time Award, an opportunity to continue making contributions of lasting scientific value given to investigators with a history of exceptional talent and a record of preeminent scientific achievements. He was elected to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies and as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

NPA adds communications manager: Hoping to "tell the story better" regarding its work for the industry, the Natural Products Association hires Michael L. Keaton as communications manager, a new post at the trade group. Keaton was previously director of public relations and communications at the SCORE Association, a nonprofit that counsels small businesses, and also worked at Equal Justice Works and the National Association of Private Special Education Centers. With NPA, Keaton will focus on public relations and will promote the association in the media and on Capitol Hill, the group said Aug. 16.

NSF Shanghai gets general manager: Alex Zhang becomes general manager of NSF International's joint venture in China, where he will direct auditing, product certification and registration services for manufacturers of dietary supplements, foods and other products. He also will be responsible for hiring and training staff for NSF Shanghai Co., developing new business strategies and coordinating with other NSF International offices. Zhang is an expert in residential water-treatment systems and has experience working with authorities such as China's State Administration for Industry and Commerce.

Carlson sales exec Rohrer dies: Jack Rohrer, national sales manager at supplement manufacturer Carlson Laboratories, passed away Aug. 4, the firm announces. Rohrer, who was 63, worked at Arlington Heights, Ill.-based Carlson for four years and at Cargill for 12 years before that.