Wyeth's Board of Directors has elected Timothy P. Cost, to the position of senior vice president, Corporate Affairs effective immediately. Timothy Cost replaces Marily H. Rhudy, who has announced her plans to retire.

"I am pleased to have a leader of Tim's calibre joining the senior management team," said Bernard Poussot, president and chief executive officer, Wyeth. "His extensive and broad experience, especially in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, will help us as we continue to deliver innovative new products and navigate the changing business environment."

Prior to joining Wyeth, Cost was executive vice president, Corporate Affairs at ARAMARK since 2003. During his 27-year career, he has served in senior executive roles for several leading companies. He formerly was senior vice president of Corporate Affairs for Pharmacia and, prior to that, vice president of Investor Relations and Corporate Intelligence for Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. He also served as senior vice president, Communications and Strategy for Centocor, Inc. Cost began his career with Kodak, holding a number of management positions with the company, including Director of Strategic Planning, Worldwide Operations and vice president, Investor Relations.

Cost earned his undergraduate degree from Jacksonville University in Florida and holds an M.B.A. in Finance and Economics from the William E. Simon Graduate School of Business at the University of Rochester.

"Marily has built an outstanding public affairs team that has forged strong external relationships to raise the level of awareness of Wyeth's contributions to health care," said Poussot. "In addition, her team has partnered across the Wyeth divisions to resolve complex business and product issues and to help the Company achieve its business goals. We thank Marily for her many contributions to our business."