Cardinal, which focuses on drug distribution as well as pharmaceutical technologies, said all company operations will report to Fotiades.
"These moves create greater customer focus and enhance our opportunities for growth," chairman and chief executive officer Robert Walter. "With George at the operational helm, my focus will be on corporate strategy, capital development and leadership development."
Fotiades was president and CEO of Cardinal's Life Sciences business since 2000. He will continue to head that department until his replacement is named.
Fotiades joined Cardinal in 1998 with the acquisition of R P Scherer, where he was group president.