DEERFIELD, Ill. -- Baxter International Inc. has announced today the appointment of Robert H. Armstrong to the newly created position of vice president, research and development (R&D), medical devices and adjacent disposables. The newly created R&D Group is charged with accelerating innovation and optimizing development activities across business units. Armstrong will report to Peter Arduini, president of Baxter's Medication Delivery Business, and will be responsible for developing a new R&D Device Center of Excellence, which consolidates engineering and product development activities of multiple device platforms and associated disposables for Baxter's Medication Delivery, Renal and Transfusion Therapies businesses.

"The formation of this important new R&D group and the appointment of a leader with Bob's experience and track record in product development symbolizes our commitment to excellence in medical devices," said Arduini. "With the formation of a device center of excellence, we are investing in innovation and aligning our resources to accelerate the introduction of new products into the marketplace and continue to improve the overall quality of our current device portfolio."

Before joining Baxter on December 1, Armstrong spent over 20 years with GE Healthcare in engineering and product development, most recently as general manager of R&D for CT products, positron emission technology and nuclear medicine.
In a separate appointment, Baxter names Steven Caff, M.D., to the position of vice president, global regulatory affairs and medical vigilance. He will report to Norbert Riedel, Baxter's chief scientific officer, and will be responsible for the company's regulatory and medical vigilance matters on a global basis.

"Steve brings top industry experience, clinical expertise and an in-depth understanding of regulatory affairs to this role at Baxter," said Riedel. "He also has a strong track record in the successful development and approval of several new chemical entities both in the United States and abroad."

Prior to joining Baxter, Caff served as U.S. deputy head of regulatory development at Sanofi-Aventis. He previously worked for Parke-Davis, Merck & Co, and Aventis Pharmaceuticals after practicing medicine in France at the academic hospitals of Assistance Publique de Paris.

Baxter International Inc., through its subsidiaries, assists healthcare professionals and their patients with treatment of complex medical conditions, including cancer, hemophilia, immune disorders, kidney disease and trauma. The company applies its expertise in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to make a meaningful difference in patients' lives.

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