Nicholson to head up Pfizer's new oncology business unit

NEW YORK Pfizer has named Garry Nicholson senior vice president and general manager of its newly created oncology business unit. Nicholson will serve as head of Pfizer’s oncology business, with direct responsibility for clinical development, medical affairs, commercial development, sales and marketing.

Nicholson joins Pfizer from Eli Lilly, where he spent more than 10 years as executive director of the U.S. oncology business unit and subsequently in an expanded role as global oncology platform leader. In the latter role, Nicholson was responsible for the global oncology franchise, including the oncology therapeutic area strategy, portfolio management, phase II/III development, global integration of oncology medical and marketing strategies, regulatory submissions and approvals, and licensing and partnerships.

“Garry is a highly regarded and accomplished executive whose experience in the global oncology market makes him exceptionally qualified to lead this important new growth area for Pfizer,” said Ian Read, president of Pfizer Worldwide Pharmaceutical Operations. “The oncology market is expected to grow significantly in the next decade. This is being driven by breakthrough science, the rapid uptake of new agents that meet high unmet medical need and treatments that are enabling cancer patients to live longer.”