Ocular Sciences appoints strategist

Ocular Sciences has appointed Diethart Reichardt to the new position of president Ocular Sciences Europe. He will have direct responsibility for sales and subsidiary business units in Europe, including direct operations in the UK. Stephen Fanning, president and chief executive officer, said that European sales expansion was an integral part of OcularÕs growth strategy. He added that there would be a focus on improving sales and marketing execution and increasing distribution coverage. ÔAs head of our sales operations for all of Europe, Diethart will strategically direct and maximise our capabilities to fully capitalise on the significant market potential and tremendous growth opportunity for soft contact lenses in this key region.ÕMr Reichardt has over 25 years of executive experience in the global healthcare and pharmaceutical industry. From 1972 to 1996 he held senior level positions at Allergan. As senior vice president Mr Reichardt directed the companyÕs Pan Europeran marketing strategy including pricing, packaging and positioning of major brands. In six years he is attributed with increasing sales of eye care product lines from $24m to $150m.