Pfizer executive William Ringo to retire

NEW YORK A Pfizer executive credited with diversifying the company’s portfolio and helping create a joint venture with GlaxoSmithKline focused on HIV will retire, Pfizer announced Friday.

William Ringo plans to step down as SVP worldwide business development, strategy and innovation. Kristin Peck, SVP worldwide strategy and innovation, will replace him.

“It has been a real pleasure to be part of Pfizer’s executive leadership team,” Ringo said in a statement. “Based on my four decades of experience in the industry, I truly believe the future of Pfizer is extremely bright, as our colleagues provide quality medicines to patients around the world.”

Ringo began working for Pfizer in April 2008 after working for Eli Lilly for 28 years. His work at Pfizer included helping to create the HIV-focused joint venture with GSK, ViiV Healthcare, which combines the two companies’ portfolios of HIV drugs.