Anat Hakim, the general counsel of WellCare Health Plans Inc., was named senior vice president and general counsel of pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and Co. on Friday.

Hakim leaves WellCare after three years as the company just completed its acquisition by Centene Corp. She will begin her new role as Eli Lilly's top lawyer Feb. 3. She will be based in the Indianapolis headquarters.

"I'm thrilled to lead the law division and to be joining Lilly at such an exciting time for the company," Hakim said in the press release. "Lilly's focus on innovation, its promising pipeline of new medicines, and its desire to make medicines more affordable for patients make it the ideal place for me. I can't wait to get started."