Feb 3 (Reuters) - Medical products maker Baxter

International ( BAX ) said on Monday its CEO José Almeida will

retire effective immediately, after nearly a decade as the

company's top boss.

Almeida, who also held the roles of board chair and

president at Baxter, will serve in an advisory capacity through

Oct. 31, the company said.

During Almeida's tenure, Baxter struck a $10.5 billion deal

to bring hospital bed-maker Hill-Rom Holdings under its domain.

Recently, the company also completed the spin-off of its kidney

care unit.

Baxter's board of directors appointed Brent Shafer, lead

independent director, as chair and interim CEO and initiated its

search for a permanent candidate.