Sally Susman departs Pfizer after 18 years
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Photo illustration: Shoshana Gordon/Axios. Photo: Pfizer.
Pfizer chief corporate affairs officer Sally Susman is departing the company after roughly two decades, CEO Albert Bourla announced Tuesday.
Why it matters: Susman is credited as one of the early architects of the modern corporate affairs function.
- During her time at Pfizer, she managed three CEO transitions, supported the rollout of the COVID vaccine, launched the foundation's Accord for a Healthier World initiative and helped the company dodge a high-profile proxy battle.
Catch up quick: Susman joined Pfizer in 2007, overseeing communications, corporate responsibility, ESG, global policy and government relations, investor relations and patient advocacy.
- Prior to joining the pharmaceutical company, she led communications and corporate affairs at the Estée Lauder Companies and American Express.
- Susman started her career in Washington, D.C. supporting legislative affairs in the U.S. Senate and Department of Commerce.
What they're saying: In a message to employees, Bourla explained the corporate affairs restructuring as another step "to prioritize focus, speed, and simplify our work processes."
- "As we continue to deliver results, my dear friend and longtime colleague, Sally Susman, and I have decided to integrate the critical capabilities of our Corporate Affairs function into the Pfizer organizations where partnerships already exist," he wrote. "Sally will help ensure a smooth transition."
Details: The various functions within corporate affairs will be absorbed by the business units they support, a source tells Axios.
- For example, the U.S. government affairs and public policy team will report to the U.S. commercial president, the international policy and public affairs group will report to the international president, and investor relations will report into the chief financial officer.
The big picture: Susman's exit is part of a broader move to shrink the company's most senior ranks as it seeks to return to pre-pandemic operating margins, according to a source familiar with the decision.
- Her tenure will come to an close at the end of the year.
What's next: Susman joined the inaugural cohort of The Aspen Institute's Leadership and Legacy Laureates program and will prioritize mentoring young leaders.
- Susman says she also has another book in the works, according to a note.
- Her first book,"Breaking Through," was a Wall Street Journal best-seller and focused on the value of effective communications.
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