First Day on the Job for New President at Covidien's Pharmaceuticals Business

Wednesday was the first day on the job for Mark Trudeau, who was of Covidien's spin-off pharmaceuticals segment. The pharmaceuticals division will be based at the .

The new standalone company will be one of the largest producers of bulk acetaminophen in the world, according to a Covidien statement. It will also be a leading producer of generic and branded pharmaceutical products and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Contrast agents and nuclear medicine products used in diagnostic imaging will also be manufactured at the facility.

“Our mission is to make diagnostics and medicine better and safer for you and your family,” he said. “This spin-off will allow us to do that in a way that positions our company for the greatest success.” 

Covidien announced its plans to business, formerly Mallinckrodt, into a standalone public company on Dec. 15. Covidien currently expects that the completion of the transaction could take up to 18 months.

Covidien’s pharmaceuticals business began in the St. Louis area as Mallinckrodt in 1867 with a $10,000 investment. Since then, the business has grown into a market leader and innovator specializing in pain management drug production and diagnostic imaging.

“I come here with a deep respect for what Mallinckrodt has accomplished since the creation of this business 145 years ago.” Trudeau said.  “This company will go forward as a new Mallinckrodt–reborn as a vibrant, growing pharmaceutical business with the well-established and respected brand name it has held for a century-and-a-half.”

As president and chief executive of Bayer Healthcare LLC, Trudeau also served as the president and chief executive of Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals' US Region. That company is similar to Covidien in that Bayer's pharmaceuticals brings in more than $2 billion annually. 

Prior to joining Bayer, Trudeau served as senior vice president and general manager of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Immunology Division. Previous positions at Bristol-Myers Squibb included posts in marketing and assignments leading the company’s regional operations.

Trudeau said he is also eager to get to know St. Louis and become involved in the economic development of the area.

“St. Louis has been an integral part of this business’s success over the years and we look forward to building on that success going forward," he said. "In particular, I look forward to assisting with economic development efforts that build on the region’s strength as a healthcare hub.”