Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) has appointed Dr Lynch as executive vp and chief scientific officer, a role that will see him focus on leading the firm’s research and development programme.
He previously served on the firm’s board of directors and succeeds Dr Francis Cuss who will retire from the company.
Dr Lynch said: “I have seen first-hand Bristol-Myers Squibb’s commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients, and I am honoured to lead the company’s R&D programme.
“I am confident that our team will continue to discover and develop innovative medicines that address serious diseases in areas of significant unmet medical need.”
Dr Lynch has more than 30 years medical, management and leadership experience and joined BMS in 2013 from the Yale Cancer Center.
Giovanni Caforio, chief executive officer at Bristol-Myers Squibb, added: “Tom brings deep industry knowledge and a sophisticated understanding of the Bristol-Myers Squibb research and development programme from his experience as a member of our Board.
“As we transition to our next phase of growth, we are confident Tom is the right person to lead our dynamic R&D organisation as we focus on accelerating the development of our immuno-oncology medicines.”