Pfizer hails outgoing executive

Pfizer has honoured the accomplishments of its outgoing senior vice-president for worldwide business development, strategy and innovation William Ringo after announcing his imminent retirement.

The pharmaceutical company stated that Mr Ringo has played a key role in helping the firm to expand and diversify its business following its recent takeover of Wyeth.

Mr Ringo will leave the company on April 30th 2010, two years after first joining to the company following a long-standing association with fellow healthcare firm Lilly.

He will be succeeded in his position by Kristin Peck and will be working to assist his successor during the initial transition period.

Mr Ringo said: “Based on my four decades of experience in the industry, I truly believe the future for Pfizer is extremely bright, as our colleagues provide quality medicines to patients around the world.”

Last month, the company announced that it has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration for its paediatric invasive pneumococcal disease vaccine Prevnar 13.