Viatris Appoints David Simmons to Board of Directors
David Simmons, a seasoned pharmaceutical executive with a wealth of experience in the industry, has been appointed to the board of directors at Viatris, a global healthcare company. Simmons brings a unique combination of executive, board, and capital markets expertise to the role, with a proven track record of leading large-scale organizations and driving growth through strategic partnerships.
As a former CEO of Caliber Holdings Corporation and Chairman and CEO of PPD, Inc., Simmons has a deep understanding of the global pharmaceutical industry and has led numerous high-profile transactions, including the sale of PPD to Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. for $17.4 billion in 2021. He also spent 15 years at Pfizer Inc., rising through the ranks to become President and General Manager of the company's Established Products Unit.
Simmons' appointment to the Viatris board is seen as a significant addition to the company's leadership team, bringing extensive expertise in global commercial and R&D operations, as well as a deep understanding of the evolving pharmaceutical industry landscape. His familiarity with the evolution of Viatris and its established products portfolio, gained during his time at Pfizer, is also expected to be a valuable asset.
Key Takeaways:
- David Simmons was appointed to the Viatris Board of Directors, bringing extensive pharmaceutical industry expertise and a proven track record of leading large-scale organizations.
- Simmons has a deep understanding of the global pharmaceutical industry, with experience leading several high-profile transactions, including the sale of PPD to Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. for $17.4 billion in 2021.
- He spent 15 years at Pfizer Inc., rising through the ranks to become President and General Manager of the company's Established Products Unit.
- Simmons is currently serving on the board of directors of Cordis, an innovative cardiovascular medical technology company.
- He also serves as a senior advisor to Abingworth LLP, a leading life sciences venture capital firm.
Statistics:
- Viatris supplies high-quality medicines to approximately 1 billion patients around the world annually.
- Simmons has led a global workforce of over 30,000 employees across 46 countries.
- During his time at Pfizer, he managed approximately 20,000 employees and 30% of the company's global sales.
- Viatris is headquartered in the U.S., with global centers in Pittsburgh, Shanghai, and Hyderabad, India.
Sources:
- Viatris Inc., Pritish Gupta, Chair of Viatris' Board of Directors
- Viatris Inc., Michael Goettig, Chief Executive Officer
- Viatris website (, https://www.viatris.com/)
- PRNewswire (Nasdaq: VTRS) press release, August 5, 2025