VALLEY FORGE, Pa. — AmerisourceBergen Corp. has promoted Barbara Brungess to vice president of corporate and investor relations.

The pharmaceutical and health care distributor said Tuesday that the move is effective immediately. Brungess succeeds Michael Kilpatric, who is retiring on Dec. 31 and will provide transition support until that date.

In the new post, Brungess is responsible for investor relations and external communications and reports directly to Michael DiCandilo, executive vice president and chief financial officer.

"Barbara brings a deep and broad knowledge of the company to her new role," R. David Yost, AmerisourceBergen president and chief executive officer, said in a statement. "She joined AmerisourceBergen 10 years ago in the investor relations office and has steadily grown her responsibilities and leadership within that department."

Yost added, "I also want to thank Mike for his leadership and dedication to AmerisourceBergen during the 10 years he has been with the company. His integrity, knowledge and communication skills have served AmerisourceBergen and our shareholders extremely well."