MORRISTOWN, N.J. — Watson Pharmaceuticals has promoted Robert Stewart to executive vice president of global operations.

Watson said Tuesday that Stewart, who joined the company in November 2009 as senior vice president of global operations, will continue to report to Paul Bisaro, president and chief executive officer.

In the new post, Stewart will assume responsibility for managing global generic research and development activities, in addition to having responsibility for global operations, quality, regulatory and information technology.

"This promotion recognizes the contributions Bob and his team have made in integrating the assets, technologies and resources acquired from Arrow and in continuing to maximize the potential of our global supply chain," Bisaro said in a statement.

"As a result of this promotion, the three significant components of our business — global generics, global brands and global operations — will now be led by executive vice presidents, reporting directly to me," Bisaro explained. "In addition, moving generic R&D under global operations recognizes that close coordination between R&D and operations is critical to accelerating speed to market. Bob will now assume responsibility for ensuring that the process from product development to approval and distribution is seamless and efficient, enhancing our ability to compete in the markets we serve with products that create increased value for our customers and our shareholders."

Stewart joined Watson after an eight-year career at Abbott Laboratories, where he most recently served as divisional vice president of global supply chain.