Pfizer Leadership Change：Dr. Boshoff to Take Over in 2025, R&D Crisis?

On November 20, 2024, Pfizer announced that, effective January 1, 2025, Dr. Chris Boshoff will serve as the company's Chief Scientific Officer and President of Research and Development.

Dr. Boshoff, who previously served as Pfizer's Head of Oncology and Executive Vice President, will succeed Dr. Mikael Dolsten, who announced earlier this year that he would be leaving Pfizer. Upon his appointment next year, Dr. Boshoff will continue to serve as a core member of Pfizer's executive leadership team and will be responsible for overseeing the company's research and development efforts across all therapeutic areas.

Pfizer's Oncology research and development team will maintain its existing fully integrated structure. Roger Dansey, MD, will serve as interim Chief Oncology Officer, reporting directly to Dr. Boshoff, effective January 1, 2025. Prior to his retirement, Dr. Dansey will assist Dr. Boshoff in selecting suitable candidates for the new Chief Oncologist position.

During his more than 11 years at Pfizer, Dr. Boshoff has led the development of 24 approved innovative drugs and biosimilars across more than 30 indications. Prior to his role as Chief Oncology Officer, Dr. Boshoff served as Chief Development Officer for Oncology and Rare diseases, and was also responsible for Pfizer's Japanese development division across all therapeutic areas.