BRISTOL, Tenn. — Jeffrey Bailey has been appointed chief commercial officer at King Pharmaceuticals Inc.

The drug maker said Monday that Bailey will be responsible for the company’s commercial activities in the branded pharmaceuticals business and will lead all sales, marketing, managed care, sales operations and business analytics.

In addition, King noted that he will lead the company’s strategic mission to be the leader in the effective and responsible treatment of pain.

"I’m excited to join King Pharmaceuticals during a major transition period in the company’s history," Bailey said in a statement. "King has a pipeline of products with the potential to significantly improve patients’ lives.

"The misuse of prescription pain medications in this country has confounded the ability of physicians to appropriately care for their patients who need these medicines," he added. "I’m looking forward to working with an organization that has the pipeline and the people to develop innovative solutions for treating pain safely."

King said Bailey brings a wealth of pharmaceutical industry experience, most recently serving in a general management capacity for a key profit center at Novartis and serving on the Novartis North American Executive Committee. He has also held senior leadership roles for a private equity firm and at Johnson & Johnson, where he was responsible for managing products in the pain therapeutic category and for launching new medicines for pain management.

Bailey will be a member of the King Leadership Team, reporting directly to Brian Markison, the company’s chairman and chief executive officer.

"We are extremely pleased that Jeff has decided to join our team," stated Markison. "With Remoxy and Acurox resubmissions on track, it is critical that we have an inspirational leader with a broad range of pharmaceutical experience. I am looking forward to Jeff making a significant contribution to the company."