Pfizer elects Jeffrey B Kindler as chairman

Pfizer has announced the election of current chief executive of the company, Jeffrey B Kindler, as chairman of the board of directors. Mr Kindler will replace Hank McKinnell in the role today, with Dr McKinnell leaving the board and the company in February next year.

The company reported that the election of Mr Kindler reflected the company’s confidence in vision and leadership, stating that he is bringing “new perspectives” to the company’s activities at a time when the pharmaceutical industry is undergoing a unique transformation.

Mr Kindler commented that he was “deeply gratified” to be elected to the position.

“I am fortunate to lead a great company and have the support of outstanding colleagues dedicated to finding the next generation of innovative medicines,” he said.

He added that the company was going through a period of accelerated transformation and that it was dedicated to altering its business processes to better take advantage of the demand for novel pharmaceutical treatments worldwide.

Mr Kindler joined Pfizer as senior vice president and general counsel in 2002. While remaining general counsel, he was also promoted to executive vice president in 2004 and vice chairman in 2005 and led the legal and corporate affairs divisions.