Novartis has appointed Elizabeth Barrett to head up its oncology franchise based at the group’s headquarters in Switzerland.
Barrett, who succeeds Bruno Strigini, has held numerous leadership positions in the pharmaceutical industry as well as in the commercial sector.
She most recently served Pfizer, leading its oncology business but has held several roles with the pharma giant including president, Europe, president North America, speciality care and US president of oncology.
She said: “I feel honoured to join Novartis. It is key to me to contribute to transformative advancements in oncology, and to serve in a highly impactful leadership role to this end.”
Prior to her time with Pfizer, Barrett held roles with Cephalon and Johnson & Johnson.
Vas Narasimhan, chief executive officer at Novartis, said: “Liz is a highly accomplished and recognised oncology and people leader with an impressive record of building successful business organisations in the US.
“She has been instrumental in creating new commercial models, driving innovation in close partnership with research and development and leveraging business development opportunities.
“Her long-time commercial pharma industry experience, marketing skills and perspectives make Liz a great fit to further develop our oncology business.”