Pfizer's vice chairman Shedlarz announces retirement

NEW YORK Pfizer said Thursday that after 31 years with the comany vice chairman David Shedlarz will retire at the end of this year.

Shedlarz, who joined Pfizer in 1976, held positions of increasing responsibility at the company. He became vice chairman of Pfizer in 2005.

Shedlarz’s contributions to the company include helping to shape the strategic direction that drove Pfizer’s growth to pharmaceutical industry leadership; fifteen years of service on Pfizer’s senior management committee and ten as its chief financial officer; and leading the integration of the Pharmacia acquisition as well as the successful sale of Pfizer Consumer Healthcare.

“Throughout his Pfizer career, David Shedlarz has demonstrated integrity and an enduring commitment to our company and its mission,” said Jeffrey Kindler, chairman and chief executive officer. “Since I became chief executive officer a little over a year ago, David has been a valuable partner to me as our new team has worked together to drive fundamental changes in how Pfizer does business.”

No announcement was made regarding a replacement.