Viatris Inc. has announced that David Simmons has been appointed as the newest member of Viatris' Board of Directors.

Simmons has deep pharmaceutical industry experience, as well as extensive executive, board, and capital markets expertise. Prior to his current role as CEO of Caliber Holdings Corporation, Simmons served as Operating Partner of Hellman & Friedman, LLC, a private equity firm, as well as Chairman and CEO of PPD, Inc., a global contract pharmaceutical research organization. While at PPD, he led the company's global workforce of more than 30,000 employees across 46 countries in the design and execution of drug development programs on behalf of pharmaceutical industry customers. Under Simmons' leadership, PPD's total enterprise value more than tripled, and he saw the company through its 2020 IPO and the subsequent execution of its sale to Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. for USD 17.4 billion in 2021.

He also spent more than 15 years at Pfizer Inc., rising in the ranks to become the first President and General Manager of that company's Established Products Unit and then adding to his duties as President and General Manager, Emerging Markets and Established Products. During this time, Simmons was responsible for managing approximately 20,000 Pfizer employees and 30 percent of the company's global sales. 

Simmons currently serves on the board of directors of Cordis, an innovative cardiovascular medical technology company. In addition to serving as Chairman of PPD, Simmons' previous board service includes tenures at Curia Global, Inc. (Albany Molecular Research Inc. prior to 2021), Launch Therapeutics, Inc., Medline Industries, Inc. and Owens & Minor, Inc. He also currently serves as a senior advisor to Abingworth LLP, a leading life sciences venture capital firm. Simmons earned his bachelor's degree in applied mathematics and industrial management from Carnegie Mellon University.

“As we continue to ensure we have a well-rounded membership with significant executive, industry, and board expertise, we could not be more pleased to welcome David to the Viatris Board,” said Melina Higgins, Chair of Viatris' Board of Directors. “His Chairman and CEO background, coupled with his knowledge and insights regarding the global pharmaceutical industry, drug development and capital markets make him a natural fit. He is also very familiar with the evolution of Viatris and has direct experience with our established products portfolio from his days overseeing that division while at Pfizer. I expect his appointment to serve our Company, Board and investors well as we work to continue to advance our strategic goals and increase shareholder return.”

Scott A. Smith, Viatris' Chief Executive Officer added, “I believe that David will bring significant value to the Viatris Board. As a long-time industry executive with proven global commercial and R&D experience, he possesses the mindset of both a strategist and an executor. I look forward to working with him as the Board and executive management team continue our focus on delivering strong business execution, advancing our pipeline and preparing the Company for the bright future we see ahead.”