Bristol Myers’ Top Doctor Exits in Midst of Search for New Hit Drug

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.’s chief medical officer is stepping down from his role after six years at the company, a surprise move as the drugmaker races to find its next hit to reverse its declining fortunes.

Samit Hirawat, who oversaw the company’s pipeline of new medicines, will leave the job Aug. 1 and stay on as an adviser to the company until November, Bristol said in a statement Friday. Hirawat is leaving to pursue new opportunities, the company said. Cristian Massacesi, who was chief medical officer and led the development of cancer drugs at AstraZeneca Plc, will take his place.