PRINCETON, N.J., Feb. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Covance Inc. (NYSE: CVD) announced today that Deborah Tanner will be promoted to Corporate Senior Vice President and President of Central Laboratory Services. She will also be named a member of the company's Global Leadership Council. Tanner succeeds Steve Sullivan, who is assuming the role of CEO for Harlan Sprague Dawley, Inc.

"Deborah brings a wealth of scientific, regulatory, industry, and business experience to her new role as leader of one of Covance's top-performing business units, and we look forward to her valuable perspectives as a member of the executive leadership team," said Joe Herring, Covance Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Her promotion exemplifies our solid succession planning and allows us to recognize an outstanding performer. We also thank Steve for his leadership and contributions to the success of Covance."

Tanner's 19-year career at Covance began in 1987, when she joined what was then called Hazleton Laboratories in Madison, Wisconsin, as a Quality Assurance Manager. She subsequently held various managerial positions in metabolism and bioanalytical chemistry and headed Global Marketing for Covance's Early Development business. Tanner then spent two years in Harrogate, UK, leading Analytical Services for Labs Europe. After 14 years in the Early Development businesses, she was promoted to Vice President of Global Clinical Trial Management Services and Operations for Central Laboratories, eventually assuming additional responsibilities as Site Head for the Indianapolis facility.

"Becoming the leader of Covance Central Laboratories at this stage of its development is very exciting," Deborah Tanner said. "Over the past several years, we have made significant contributions to the success of Covance, including record new orders and market share gains that have translated into accelerated growth for the company. We will continue to focus our efforts on driving Operational and Service Excellence by providing high-quality data, outstanding project management of global clinical trials, and helping our clients maximize their R&D investment."

Tanner has dual undergraduate degrees in Life Sciences/Chemistry and Business Administration and Accounting as well as a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Wisconsin in Madison.

Covance, with headquarters in Princeton, New Jersey, is one of the world's largest and most comprehensive drug development services companies with annual revenues greater than $1 billion, global operations in more than 20 countries, and more than 7,300 employees worldwide. Information on Covance's products and services, recent press releases, and SEC filings can be obtained through its website at http://www.covance.com.