Building and Leading a Global Enterprise
The story of Pfizer's leadership in the 19th, 20th and now 21st centuries reflects the growth of the company from an entrepreneurial venture in a young America to a global enterprise now spanning the world.
Throughout its history, Pfizer's hallmarks have been resourceful leadership and an industrious, innovative workforce. Remarkably, only twelve people have served Pfizer as chief executive, a record of stability matched by few organizations. These leaders, and the thousands of dedicated Pfizer colleagues who demonstrate leadership in diverse disciplines and operations, have driven the company to the top of the industry.
This section highlights the accomplishments of these twelve outstanding Pfizer leaders, whose careers provide a vivid account of the company's remarkable growth, enlarged scope, and achievements spanning parts of the three centuries.
Ian Read
Chief Executive Officer
Jeffrey B. Kindler
Chief Executive Officer (2006 - 2010)
Chairman of the Board (2006 - 2010)
Henry A. McKinnell, Jr., Ph.D.
President (1999 - 2001)
Chief Executive Officer (2001 - 2006)
Chairman of the Board (2001 - 2006)
William C. Steere, Jr.
President (1990 - 1991)
Chief Executive Officer (1991 - 2001)
Chairman of the Board (1992 - 2001)
Edmund T. Pratt, Jr.
President (1971 - 1972)
Chief Executive Officer (1972 - 1991)
Chairman of the Board (1972 - 1992)
John J. Powers, Jr.
President (1965 - 1971)
Chief Executive Officer (1965 - 1972)
Chairman of the Board (1968 - 1972)
John E. McKeen
President (1949 - 1965)
Chairman of the Board (1950 - 1968)
John L. Smith
President (1945 - 1949)
Chairman of the Board (1949 - 1950)
George A. Anderson
resident (1941 - 1945)
Chairman of the Board (1945 - 1949)
William H. Erhart
Chairman of the Board (1929 - 1940)
John Anderson
Chairman of the Board (1914 - 1929)
Emile Pfizer
President (1906 - 1941)
Chairman of the Board (1941)
Charles Erhart
Cofounder
Charles Pfizer
Cofounder
