$21.8 billion drug maker, Eli Lilly and Co., said it plans to create four new senior-level ethics and compliance positions to further support the centralized global compliance and enterprise risk management function, the company said in a filing. The establishment of the new positions are part of a deal to settle two shareholder lawsuits over the improper marketing of numerous of its drugs.

When they are hired, all four of the new executives will report to Anne Nobles, Lilly's chief ethics and compliance officer. The four new positions are:

Vice president for global compliance strategy and risk management to assist in the development of global compliance strategy, partnering with senior leaders across Lilly to promote highly ethical and compliant behaviors, and addressing emerging regulatory and enforcement trends and enterprise-level risks.

Vice president of global ethics and compliance officer, business liaison, to oversee the compliance function within the company and its various U.S.-based and international affiliates. This person also will be responsible for developing and implementing policies, procedures, and practices designed to promote compliance in that affiliate with applicable law or requirements regarding applicable healthcare programs.

Senior director of enterprise risk management, who shall report to the vice president of global compliance strategy and ERM, and shall assist the chief ethics and compliance officer in administration of enterprise risk management at the company; and a

Project manager to assist in the implementation and monitoring of policies, procedures, and practices designed to promote compliance with the company’s obligations.

In 2009, Lilly paid $1.4 billion, including a $515 million fine,—the largest criminal fine ever imposed on a U.S. corporation—over the illegal marketing of the antipsychotic drug Zyprexa. The company also pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and agreed to additional oversight to resolve a 5-year-old federal investigation. Federal enforcement officials also charged Eli with improperly marketing its osteoporosis drug, Evista, and its antidepressant, Prozac.

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