Pfizer Names Read CEO to Replace Weary Kindler
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Pfizer Inc., the world’s biggest drugmaker, named Ian C. Read chief executive officer as the company prepares to face generic competition to its top-selling cholesterol treatment Lipitor.
Read, 57, the head of Pfizer’s global biopharmaceutical operations since 2006, replaces Jeffrey B. Kindler, 55, who retired saying he needed to “recharge my batteries” after a “period extremely demanding on me personally,” according to a statement yesterday from the New York-based company. Kindler’s retirement is effective immediately, said Ray Kerins, a spokesman for Pfizer, in a telephone interview.