On the Street: New Head of R&D at Nutrisystem

February 25/Pharma Investments, Ventures & Law Weekly -- Nutrisystem Inc. announced that Bruce P. Daggy, Ph.D., will lead the Research and Development Department of Nutrisystem.

In this new position, Daggy will manage all aspects of the Nutrisystem Research and Development team, including new product development, clinical research, and outreach to the medical community. As Nutrisystem continues to advance its research and development platform, Daggy and his team will also be responsible for developing and executing new programs for our current and future customer base.

"It gives me great pleasure to welcome Bruce to the Nutrisystem family and to leverage his impeccable credentials, and knowledge of research and development," commented Joe Redling, Nutrisystem chairman and CEO. "We're confident that Bruce will bring a fresh perspective to upcoming product initiatives here at Nutrisystem and help us maintain our position as a leading innovator in the weight loss industry."

Daggy brings over 20 years experience within consumer healthcare and nutritional research and development to Nutrisystem. Most recently, Daggy was vice president of Weight Control Research and Development at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer Healthcare, where he was chosen as technical lead for the development and launch of the company's first global weight loss product. Prior to that, he was based in Europe, where he served as vice president of Nutritional Healthcare Research and Development for GSK. His career in the industry started with Procter & Gamble where he worked in healthcare technology and product development.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to bring my experience and perspective to Nutrisystem," said Daggy. "I have long held the belief that our society places too little emphasis on nutrition and behavioral change to prevent or help manage disease. Nutrisystem is a true weight loss industry leader and pioneer in this approach, thanks in no small measure to the efforts of my distinguished predecessor, Dr. Jay Satz. Nutrisystem's clients have chosen us as their nutritional weight loss partner, and we have a tremendous responsibility to help them along their journey. We can and do help our clients change their lives for the better."

Daggy's academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Nutritional Biochemistry from Cornell University and a B.A. in Biology from University of Virginia. He will continue to hold an academic appointment as Adjunct Professor in the Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences at Florida State University.

Nutrisystem also announced that Dr. Jay Satz will transition from his role as the vice president of Scientific Affairs and Research and Development to serve as the senior scientific advisor to the company. Satz has been with Nutrisystem since 1978.

"As the key developer of the Nutrisystem food program, Dr. Satz has played a significant role in our success and has made Nutrisystem the company it is today," said Redling. "We're pleased that Dr. Satz will continue to be a valued voice within Nutrisystem in his new advisory position."

From the March 15, 2010, Prepared Foods E-dition