Lilly Board of Directors Elects New Member; Innovative Business Leader With Diverse Background.

Business Editors, Health & Medical Writers

INDIANAPOLIS--(BW HealthWire)--Feb. 19, 2002

The Board of Directors of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) has elected Ellen Marram, a business leader with extensive experience as chief executive of several consumer focused companies, to the board effective June 1, 2002. Marram is a managing director at North Castle Partners, L.L.C., a private equity firm focused on investments in the healthy living and aging sectors. From 1993 through 1998, Marram served as president and chief executive officer of Tropicana and Tropicana Beverage Group. During her stewardship, she transformed Tropicana from a relatively small Florida juice company into a market driven, health-focused, global business. During her tenure, Tropicana's market value tripled and it became the number-one company in its market in terms of revenue and profits.

"As we implement our strategy to become the pharmaceutical growth company of the decade, we must continue to build world-class global selling and marketing capabilities," said Sidney Taurel, Lilly chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Given her impressive background, Ellen Marram will be a significant addition to our board as we continue to make progress in these important areas. We are pleased that she has joined our team."

From 1988 to 1993, Marram was president and chief executive officer of the Nabisco Biscuit Company, the largest operating unit of Nabisco, Inc. Under her leadership, the company significantly increased sales and margins and had one of the most successful new product records in the food industry. Marram's vision and direction led to the 1992 launch of SnackWell's cookies and crackers, which pioneered low-fat snacking and are considered one of the most successful new products of the 1990s.

Marram is a graduate of Wellesley College and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School, receiving Alumni Achievement Awards from both institutions. She is a member of the Board of Directors of Ford Motor Company and The New York Times Company, as well as several private companies. She is a Trustee of the Conference Board and also serves on the boards of the New York & Presbyterian Hospital, Lincoln Center Theater, Families and Work Institute, and Citymeals-on-Wheels. She is a past member of the Board of Associates of Harvard Business School and was named one of the Top 25 Managers of the Year by Business Week in January 1998.

Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing portfolio of best-in-class pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Lilly provides answers - through medicines and information - for some of the world's most urgent medical needs. Additional information about Lilly is available at www.lilly.com.