DUBLIN, Ireland — As part of a realignment of its sales organization, Warner Chilcott has named Johannes van Zoonen to head the company’s North American sales unit.

Zoonen, who assumed the new post effective immediately, joined Warner Chilcott as president of Europe/international and marketing after the company’s acquisition of Procter & Gamble Co.’s branded pharmaceutical business in October 2009.

Before coming to Warner Chilcott, van Zoonen held various roles at P&G for over 20 years, most recently as vice president of pharmaceuticals for Europe, Australia and Japan and of international health affairs.

Warner Chilcott said that in connection with the realignment, president of pharmaceuticals Carl Reichel is leaving the company to pursue other interests. He joined the company in September 2000 after nearly 20 years of experience at Parke-Davis, a division of Warner-Lambert (now Pfizer Inc.). Plans call for Reichel to remain at Warner Chilcott until the end of the year to assist with transitional issues.

"We are excited to have Hans van Zoonen broaden his role in the U.S. market. We believe his significant experience and proven capabilities across various aspects of pharmaceutical sales and marketing will strengthen Warner Chilcott’s focus on key product performance and maximize sales opportunities," stated Roger Boissonneault, Warner Chilcott’s president and chief executive officer.

"On behalf of the company, I want to thank Carl for his many contributions during his tenure here and wish him success in his future endeavors," Boissonneault added.