Pfizer promotes Bourla to COO
Pfizer names COO
NEW YORK — Pfizer has named Albert Bourla COO, effective Jan. 1, 2018. The promotion of Bourla, who was most recently group president of the company’s Innovative Health business, is accompanied by the promotion of two others within the company. John Young will take over Bourla’s vacated position and Angela Hwang will the role of Pfizer Essential Health group president role left open by Young’s promotion, both effective Jan. 1, 2018.
“Albert is a proven and trusted leader with over two decades of leadership experience and a demonstrated track record for delivering strong business results,” Pfizer chairman Ian Read said. “He possesses the right combination of skills, knowledge, strengths and a deep commitment to Pfizer’s culture that make him the clear choice to become Pfizer’s COO.”
Under Bourla, who took the helm in 2016, Pfizer Innovative Health saw 11% operational growth in 2016 and 9% growth in the first nine months of 2017. Before heading that division, Bourla was group president of Pfizer’s vaccine, oncology and consumer healthcare businesses. His other roles at Pfizer have included work as an area president for its animal health business in the Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific regions, where he oversaw the integration of Wyeth’s animal health business with Pfizer’s in those markets.
"The addition of a COO will enable me to spend more time focusing on the company's long-term strategic direction, ensuring continued R&D productivity and engaging with government policy and industry leaders on key issues facing the future of the healthcare industry,” Bourla said.
Taking the helm at Pfizer’s Innovative Health Division is Young, who has held such positions at the company as president of its primary care business. He will move to Innovative Health from his position as group president of the Essential Health business, which will be filled by Hwang.
Hwang is the company’s global president and general manager for Pfizer inflammation and immunology. She has been with the company since 2007 and has held such positions as regional head for U.S. vaccines, vice president of U.S. brands business within Essential Health and vice president of emerging markets within the primary care business. Both Hwang and Young will report to Bourla.