AstraZeneca named Rich Fante president of the company’s US business. Fante will replace Tony Zook, who was recently named president of MedImmune, in addition to his position as CEO of AstraZeneca North America and head of global marketing. Fante was previously vice president, brand strategy & portfolio operations, and led marketing efforts for all AstraZeneca brands in the US.
 
Contract-sales firm PDI has appointed Nancy Lurker as CEO and member of the company’s board of directors, effective Nov. 18. Lurker was previously senior vice president and CMO for Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp., where she launched several products including Exforge, Tekturna, Reclast and the Exelon Patch.