Endo Pharmaceuticals Holdings, Inc. named David P. Holveck as president, chief executive officer and a director of the company, effective April 1, 2008. Holveck was most recently president and vice president, Johnson & Johnson. He was formerly president and chief executive officer of Centocor, Inc., until the acquisition of that company by Johnson & Johnson in 1999.

Roger Kimmel, chairman of the Board of Directors of Endo, said: "Dave Holveck is the ideal executive to lead Endo Pharmaceuticals as it pursues growth opportunities and enhanced shareholder value. Throughout his career at Centocor and Johnson & Johnson, he has demonstrated exceptional vision and leadership. He has a track record of strong performance, successfully managing product development, building great organizations and creating value. He has a unique combination of deep experience and an entrepreneurial spirit that can lead Endo to the next level."

Holveck, 62, joined Johnson & Johnson as a company Group Chairman in 1999, following the acquisition of Centocor, Inc. by Johnson & Johnson, and assumed his current position in 2004. Holveck was chief executive officer of Centocor, Inc. at the time of the acquisition. Holveck joined Centocor. In 1983 and progressed through various executive positions. In 1992, he assumed the role of president and chief operating officer and later that year was named president and chief executive officer. Prior to joining Centocor, he had held positions at General Electric Company, Corning Glass Works and Abbott Laboratories.

Holveck said: "I am honoured to lead Endo Pharmaceuticals, a company that I have known and respected for many years. Endo has an outstanding market position in the pain management sector and a wide range of attractive growth opportunities. I appreciate the confidence of the Board of Directors and look forward to working with my new colleagues on the management team and all the employees of Endo to deliver important pharmaceutical products to patients and build value for our shareholders."

Holveck is a member of the Board of Trustees for The Fund for West Chester University, the Board of Directors of the Eastern Technology Council and Cleveland Clinic's Industrial Advisory Board. He is a former board member of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturing Association (PhRMA) and the Biotechnology Industry Organisation.