PARSIPPANY, N.J., May 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE: WPI) today announced that Lisa M. DeFrancesco has been promoted to the position of Vice President, Global Investor Relations, effective immediately. In this position, Ms. DeFrancesco reports to Charles Mayr, Chief Communications Officer - Global. She succeeds Patricia Eisenhaur, who is leaving Watson on June 1, 2012.

In this position, Ms. DeFrancesco is responsible for Watson's proactive global investor relations programs and serves as the principle spokesperson and point of contact with the analyst and investment community. She also provides current relevant business, competitor and financial community insight to senior management.

Ms. DeFrancesco joined Watson in 2009 as Manager, Investor Relations. She was promoted to Director, Investor Relations in 2010. Ms. DeFrancesco brought more than 12 years of experience to Watson, having served in various finance and investor relations roles at such companies as Virgin Mobile USA, Realogy, Cendant and Horizon Blue Cross/Blue Shield/NJ. She began her career on Wall Street as a sell-side analyst at Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Ms. DeFrancesco has a BS degree in Business Administration from Seton Hall University.

About Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an integrated global specialty pharmaceutical company. The Company is engaged in the development, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of generic pharmaceuticals and specialized branded pharmaceutical products focused on Urology and Women's Health. The Company is also developing biosimilar products in Women's Health and Oncology. Additionally, Watson distributes generic and branded pharmaceuticals through its Anda, Inc. distribution business. Watson has operations in many of the world's established and growing international markets.

For press release and other company information, visit Watson Pharmaceuticals' Web site at http://www.watson.com.

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    CONTACTS:                      Investors:
                                   Lisa DeFrancesco
                                   (862) 261-7152

                                   Media:
                                   Charlie Mayr
                                   (862) 261-8030

SOURCE Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.