Bart Peterson to join Lilly

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Former Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson has a new job. He's taking a position with Eli Lilly & Company.

"It evolved I guess you might say. I received a call and it started a process and here we are," said Peterson. "It's a great company. I don’t think I need to convince anybody in Indianapolis or Indiana of that.”

But, he will work to convince the rest of the world. As Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Communications, Peterson will lead a group of 450 people tasked with talking up the company and its products. He’ll report directly to Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer John C. Lechleiter.

“Bart is a proven leader with a strong list of achievements. His strategic approach, intellect, and political acumen will make him a valuable addition to Lilly’s leadership team,” said Lechleiter. “Bart’s unique public service and private sector perspectives and experiences will enrich our thinking across a broad range of business issues. He joins Lilly’s top leadership at an important moment in time when Lilly and the pharmaceutical industry face significant challenges both in the U.S. and abroad.”

After Peterson lost the 2007 election, Peterson did some teaching and both not-for-profit and private sector redevelopment work.

Peterson said, "In some ways over the last year I took the sampler platter of what I might do."

He said one thing he won't do soon is run again for the office he lost or anything higher.

"You know I wouldn't do this if it wasn't a long-term commitment. Obviously I'm not going to be running for mayor in 2012, not going to be running for governor, excuse me, mayor in 2011, not going to be running for governor in 2012," said Peterson. "My job has to be a mission for me to be enthusiastic about it and I'm sure enthusiastic about this.”

The job starts June 15.