NORTHRIDGE, Calif. — Pharmavite, maker of the Nature Made dietary supplement brand, has promoted Mark Walsh to chief operating officer.

The company said Monday that the move is effective immediately. Walsh has been with Pharmavite for four years as vice president of operations, responsible for demand forecasting, production planning, purchasing, manufacturing, customer service and distribution for all of the company’s products.

According to Pharmavite, Walsh brings strong leadership experience to the COO role from his more than 25 years in the consumer packaged goods sector, along with his experience at Pharmavite leading the operations organization and serving as an executive team member. He will report to Pharmavite’s board of executive managers.

Before joining Pharmavite, Walsh worked in operations at Mars Inc., including such segments as food, snack food and pet care.

Pharmavite added that Connie Barry, president and chief executive since 2005, will transition into an advisory role and continue to serve as a member of the board of executive managers. Barry had announced in December that she plans to step down from that role effective January 31, due to personal health issues.