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Lead Independent Director
Director Since: 2006
Age: 71
Board Committees:
Science & Technology Committee

BOARD COMPOSITION

 
Dennis A. Ausiello, M.D.

Lead Independent Director
Director Since: 2006
Age: 71
Board Committees:
Science & Technology Committee
Other Current Public Boards:
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Seres Therapeutics, Inc.
Dennis A. Ausiello, M.D.

Director, Center for Assessment Technology and Continuous Health (CATCH). Physician-in-Chief, Emeritus at Massachusetts General Hospital and Chief of Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital from 1996 until April 2013. Jackson Distinguished Professor of Clinical Medicine at Harvard Medical School.

President of the Association of American Physicians in 2006. Member of the National Academy of Medicine and a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Director of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Seres Therapeutics, Inc. and TARIS BioMedical LLC.

KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

Medicine & Science/Healthcare & Pharma/Academia:
Dr. Ausiello's experience and training as a practicing physician (Board-certified in nephrology), a scientist and a nationally recognized leader in academic medicine enable him to bring valuable insights to the Board, including through his understanding of the scientific nature of our business and the ability to assist us in prioritizing opportunities for drug development.

Business Leadership & Operations:
Dr. Ausiello oversaw a large research portfolio and an extensive research and education budget at Massachusetts General Hospital, giving him a critical perspective on drug discovery and development and providing a fundamental understanding of the potential pathways contributing to disease. Through his past experience as the Chief of Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Ausiello also brings leadership, oversight and finance experience to the Board.

 
Ronald E. Blaylock

Director Since: 2017
Age: 57
Other Current Public Boards:
CarMax, Inc., Radio One, Inc. and W.R. Berkley, Inc.
Ronald E. Blaylock

Founder, Managing Partner of GenNx360 Capital Partners, a private equity firm focused on investing in industrial and business services companies in the U.S. middle market, since 2006. Prior to launching GenNx360 Capital Partners, Mr. Blaylock founded and managed Blaylock & Company, an investment banking firm. Also held senior management positions at UBS, PaineWebber Group and Citicorp.

Director of CarMax, Inc., Radio One, Inc. and W.R. Berkley, Inc., an insurance holding company. Director of Syncreon U.S., a for-profit private company. Member of the Board of Trustees of Carnegie Hall. Member of the Board of Overseers of New York University Stern School of Business. Member of the Board of Trustees of Prep for Prep, a not-for-profit organization.

KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

Business Leadership & Operations/Risk Management:
Mr. Blaylock's extensive experience in private equity and investment banking brings business leadership, financial expertise and risk management skills to the Board. In addition, Mr. Blaylock's service on the nominating and corporate governance committee of another public company enables him to bring valuable insights to Pfizer's Board and Corporate Governance Committee.

Finance & Accounting:
Mr. Blaylock's significant financial background, including as the founder and managing partner of GenNx360 Capital Partners and the founder of Blaylock & Company, brings substantial financial expertise and a unique perspective on issues of importance relating to finance to the Board.

 
W. Don Cornwell

Director Since: 1997
Age: 69
Other Current Public Boards:
American International Group, Inc. and Avon Products, Inc.
W. Don Cornwell

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Granite Broadcasting Corporation (Granite) from 1988 until his retirement in August 2009, and served as Vice Chairman of the Board until December 2009.

Director of American International Group, Inc. and Avon Products, Inc. Director of the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation. Director of the Wallace Foundation from 2002 until 2012 and previously served as a Director of CVS Caremark (including two years as Chair of its Compensation Committee) for over 10 years. Trustee of Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City.

KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

Business Leadership & Operations/Talent Management/Risk Management:
Through Mr. Cornwell's 38-year career as an entrepreneur driving the growth of a consumer-focused media company, an executive in the investment banking industry and a director of several significant consumer product and healthcare companies, he has valuable business, leadership and management experience and brings important perspectives on the issues facing Pfizer. Mr. Cornwell founded and built Granite, a consumer-focused media company, through acquisitions and operating growth, enabling him to provide insight and guidance on strategic direction and growth.

Finance & Accounting:
Mr. Cornwell's strong financial background, including his work at Goldman Sachs prior to co-founding Granite and his service and leadership on the audit, finance and investment committees of other companies, also provides financial expertise to the Board, including an understanding of financial statements, corporate finance, accounting and capital markets.

 
Joseph J. Echevarria

Director Since: 2015
Age: 60
Other Current Public Boards:
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, Unum Group and Xerox Corporation
Joseph J. Echevarria

Chief Executive Officer of Deloitte LLP (Deloitte), a global provider of professional services, from 2011 until his retirement in 2014. During his 36-year tenure with Deloitte, served in various leadership roles, including Deputy Managing Partner, Southeast Region Audit Managing Partner and U.S. Managing Partner and Chief Operating Officer.

Director of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, Unum Group, a provider of financial protection benefits, and Xerox Corporation. Member of the President's Export Council and former member of the Presidential Commission on Election Administration. Chair Emeritus of My Brother's Keeper Alliance. Member of the Board of Trustees of the University of Miami.

KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

Business Leadership & Operations/International Business/Risk Management:
Mr. Echevarria's 36-year career at Deloitte brings financial expertise and international business, leadership and risk management skills to the Board.

Finance & Accounting:
Mr. Echevarria's financial acumen, including his significant previous audit experience, expertise in accounting issues and service on the audit committee of another public company, is an asset to Pfizer's Board and Audit Committee.

Government & Public Policy:
Pfizer also benefits from Mr. Echevarria's breadth and diversity of experience, which includes his public service on the President's Export Council.

 
Frances D. Fergusson, Ph.D.

Director Since: 2009
Age: 72
Other Current Public Boards:
Mattel, Inc.
Frances D. Fergusson, Ph.D.

President Emeritus of Vassar College since 2006 and President from 1986 to 2006. Served on the Mayo Clinic Board for 14 years, the last four years as its Chairman, and as President of the Board of Overseers of Harvard University from 2007 through 2008.

Director of Wyeth from 2005 until 2009. Director of Mattel, Inc. A Trustee of the J. Paul Getty Trust (executive committee), Director of the Second Stage Theatre, and Vice Chair of the Board of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art Foundation, Inc.

KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

Business Leadership & Operations/Academia:
Dr. Fergusson has strong leadership skills, having served as President of Vassar College for 20 years, where she developed a long-term financial plan and strengthened the College's financial position. She has also headed strategic planning projects at Vassar College and other organizations.

Healthcare & Pharma:
Dr. Fergusson's service on the boards of not-for-profit organizations, including the Mayo Clinic (which she chaired from 1998 to 2002), enables her to bring to the Board experience and knowledge of healthcare from various perspectives.

Risk Management:
Through Dr. Fergusson's service as the Chair of our Regulatory and Compliance Committee, she has a strong understanding of and insight into healthcare risk management related areas.

 
Helen H. Hobbs, M.D.

Director Since: 2011
Age: 64
Other Current Public Boards:
None
Helen H. Hobbs, M.D.

Investigator, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute since 2002, Professor of Internal Medicine and Molecular Genetics and Director of the McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

Member of the American Society for Clinical Investigation and the Association of American Physicians. Elected to the National Academy of Medicine in 2004, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2006, and the National Academy of Sciences in 2007. Received both the Clinical Research Prize (2005) and Distinguished Scientist Award (2007) from the American Heart Association. In 2012, received the inaugural International Society of Atherosclerosis Prize and in 2015, received both the Pearl Meister Greengard Award and the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences. In 2016, received the Passano Award and the Gill Award.

KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

Academia/Medicine & Science/Healthcare & Pharma:
Dr. Hobbs' background reflects significant achievements in academia and medicine. She has served as a faculty member at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center for more than 20 years and is a leading geneticist in metabolism and heart disease, areas in which Pfizer has significant investments and experience. Pfizer benefits from her experience, expertise, achievements and recognition in both medicine and science.

 
James M. Kilts

Director Since: 2007
Age: 69
Other Current Public Boards:
Conyers Park Acquisition Corporation, MetLife, Inc., Nielsen Holdings PLC and Unifi, Inc.
James M. Kilts

Founding Partner, Centerview Capital, a private equity firm, since 2006. Vice Chairman, The Procter & Gamble Company (Procter & Gamble), from 2005 to 2006. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Gillette Company (Gillette), from 2001 to 2005 and President, Gillette, from 2003 to 2005. President and Chief Executive Officer, Nabisco Group Holdings Corporation (Nabisco), from 1998 until its acquisition in 2000.

Non-Executive Director of the Board of Nielsen Holdings PLC (Nielsen Holdings), Chairman of the Board of Nielsen Holdings (from January 2011 until December 2013) and Chairman of the Nielsen Company B.V. (from 2009 until 2014). Executive Chairman of the Board of Conyers Park Acquisition Corporation (a special purpose acquisition company and an affiliate of Centerview Capital). Director of MetLife, Inc. and Unifi, Inc. (a textile manufacturing company). Chairman of Big Heart Pet Brands until March 2015 and Director of Meadwestvaco Corporation until April 2014. Life Trustee of Knox College and Trustee of the University of Chicago, a member of the Board of Overseers of Weill Cornell Medicine, and Founder and Co-Chair, Steering Committee, of the Kilts Center for Marketing at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

Business Leadership & Operations/International Business:
Mr. Kilts' tenure as CEO of Gillette and Nabisco and as Vice Chairman of Procter & Gamble provides valuable business, leadership and management experience, including expertise in cost management, value creation and resource allocation. In addition, his knowledge of consumer businesses has given him insights on reaching consumers and on the importance of innovation—both important aspects of Pfizer's business. Through his service on various compensation committees, including ours, Mr. Kilts has a strong understanding of executive compensation and related areas.

Healthcare & Pharma:
Through his service on the board of MetLife, Inc., an insurance company, Mr. Kilts offers a view of healthcare from another perspective.

 
Shantanu Narayen
Shantanu Narayen

President and Chief Executive Officer and Director (Chairman since February 2017) of Adobe Systems Incorporated (Adobe), a producer of creative and digital marketing software. Prior to his appointment as CEO in December 2007, held various leadership roles at Adobe, including President and Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President of Worldwide Products, and Senior Vice President of Worldwide Product Development.

Director of Dell Inc. from 2009 until October 2013 and Director of Metavante Technologies Inc. from 2007 until 2009. President of the Board of Adobe Foundation, which funds philanthropic initiatives around the world.

KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

Business Leadership & Operations/International Business/Finance & Accounting/Talent Management:
Mr. Narayen's experience as President and CEO of Adobe brings strong leadership and management skills to the Board, and his past roles in worldwide product development provide valuable global operations experience. His past experience as a director on other public boards provides a broad perspective on issues facing public companies and governance matters.

Technology/Risk Management:
Mr. Narayen also brings a strong technology background and risk management skills to Pfizer's Board, as well as a diversity of experience that benefits Pfizer.

 
Suzanne Nora Johnson

Director Since: 2007
Age: 59
Other Current Public Boards:
American International Group, Inc., Intuit Inc. and Visa Inc.
Suzanne Nora Johnson

Retired Vice Chairman, Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (Goldman Sachs), since 2007. During her 21-year tenure with Goldman Sachs, served in various leadership roles, including Chair of the Global Markets Institute, Head of Global Research, and Head of Global Health Care.

Director of American International Group, Inc., Intuit Inc. and Visa Inc. Vice Chair, Board of Trustees of The Brookings Institution; Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Carnegie Institution of Washington; and Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees of the University of Southern California; and member of the Global Agenda Council on the Future of Financial and Monetary Systems for the World Economic Forum.

KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

Business Leadership & Operations/Risk Management/International Business:
Ms. Nora Johnson's careers in law and investment banking, including serving in various leadership roles at Goldman Sachs, provide valuable business experience and critical insights on the roles of the law, finance and strategic transactions to our business.

Finance & Accounting:
Ms. Nora Johnson also brings financial expertise to the Board, providing an understanding of financial statements, corporate finance, accounting and capital markets.

Healthcare & Pharma:
Ms. Nora Johnson's extensive knowledge of healthcare through her role in healthcare investment banking and her involvement with not-for-profit organizations, such as in scientific research (The Carnegie Institution) and healthcare policy (RAND Corporation and The Brookings Institution) provides touchstones of public opinion and exposure to diverse, global points of view.

 
Ian C. Read

Director Since: 2010
Age: 63
Board Committees:
Other Current Public Boards:
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
Ian C. Read

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Pfizer since December 2011. President and Chief Executive Officer from December 2010. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President and Group President of the Worldwide Biopharmaceutical Businesses, which he led from 2006 through December 2010. In that role, he oversaw five global business units—Primary Care, Specialty Care, Oncology, Established Products and Emerging Markets. Mr. Read began his career with Pfizer in 1978 as an operational auditor. He worked in Latin America through 1995, holding positions including Chief Financial Officer, Pfizer Mexico, and Country Manager, Pfizer Brazil. In 1996, he was appointed President of Pfizer's International Pharmaceuticals Group, with responsibility for Latin America and Canada. He became Executive Vice President, Europe, in 2000, was named a Corporate Vice President in 2001, and assumed responsibility for Canada, in addition to Europe, in 2002. Mr. Read later became accountable for operations in both the Africa/Middle East region and Latin America as well.

Director of Kimberly-Clark Corporation. Mr. Read also serves on the Boards of Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA) and the Partnership of New York City.

KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

Business Leadership & Operations/International Business/Healthcare & Pharma/Finance & Accounting/Government & Public Policy/Talent Management/Risk Management:
Mr. Read brings over 35 years of business, operating and leadership experience to the Board. His extensive knowledge of the biopharmaceutical industry in general, including his service on PhRMA and IFPMA, and Pfizer's worldwide biopharmaceutical business in particular, provides crucial insight to our Board on the company's strategic planning and operations. Mr. Read provides an essential link between management and the Board on management's business perspectives, and the combination of his knowledge of the business and his leadership skills make his role as Chairman and CEO optimal at this time. Further, his experience as a member of another public company board provides him with an enhanced perspective on issues applicable to public companies.

 
Stephen W. Sanger

Director Since: 2009
Age: 71
Other Current Public Boards:
Wells Fargo & Company
Stephen W. Sanger

Chairman of General Mills, Inc. (General Mills), a packaged food producer and distributor, from 1995 until his retirement in 2008 and its Chief Executive Officer from 1995 to 2007.

Former Chairman of the Grocery Manufacturers of America. Recipient of the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service in 2009. Chaired the Fiscal Policy Committee of the Business Roundtable and served as a director of Catalyst. Director of Wells Fargo & Company (Chairman since October 2016). Director of Target Corporation from 1996 until 2013.

KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

Business Leadership & Operations/Talent Management/Finance & Accounting/Risk Management:
With more than 12 years' experience as Chairman and CEO of General Mills, Mr. Sanger has valuable business, leadership and management experience, including experience in acquisitions through General Mills' purchase of Pillsbury, creating one of the world's largest food companies. As CEO of General Mills, Mr. Sanger improved sales and market position, developed innovative ideas and streamlined operations, expertise which benefits Pfizer. In addition, Mr. Sanger has experience leading a company whose products are subject to FDA regulation, lending insight into the regulated nature of our consumer healthcare business.

 
James C. Smith

Director Since: 2014
Age: 57
Other Current Public Boards:
Thomson Reuters Corporation
James C. Smith

President and Chief Executive Officer and Director of Thomson Reuters Corporation, a provider of intelligent information for businesses and professionals, since January 2012 and its Chief Operating Officer from September 2011 to December 2011 and Chief Executive Officer, Thomson Reuters Professional Division, from 2008 to 2011. Prior to the acquisition of Reuters Group PLC by The Thomson Corporation (Thomson) in 2008, served as Chief Operating Officer of Thomson and as President and Chief Executive Officer of Thomson Learning's Academic and Reference Group.

Member of the International Business Council of the World Economic Forum, the International Advisory Boards of British American Business and the Atlantic Council.

KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

Business Leadership & Operations/Finance & Accounting/Talent Management/International Business:
Mr. Smith's experience as President and CEO of Thomson Reuters Corporation brings valuable leadership, finance and management skills. Pfizer benefits from Mr. Smith's organizational expertise and leadership experience, honed during the merger and subsequent integration of two of the information industry's preeminent firms, as well as his strong operational and international expertise from his experience as Chief Operating Officer.

Audit Committee
Meetings held in 2016: 14
Audit Committee
Meetings held in 2016: 14

The Audit Committee is primarily responsible for:

  • reviewing and discussing, with the independent registered public accounting firm, Internal Audit and management, the adequacy and effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting;
  • reviewing and consulting with management, Internal Audit and the independent registered public accounting firm on matters related to the annual audit, the published financial statements, earnings releases, and the accounting principles applied;
  • reviewing reports from management relating to the status of compliance with laws, regulations and internal procedures and policies;
  • reviewing and approving, based on discussion with the Chief Financial Officer, the appointment, replacement, dismissal and annual performance of the Chief Internal Auditor;
  • reviewing and discussing the scope and results of the internal audit program; and
  • reviewing and discussing with management the company's policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management.

The Audit Committee also is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of our independent registered public accounting firm.

The Audit Committee has established policies and procedures for the pre-approval of all services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee also has established procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment, on a confidential basis, of complaints received by Pfizer regarding its accounting, internal controls and auditing matters. Further details of the role of the Audit Committee, as well as the Audit Committee Report, may be found in "Item 2— Ratification of Selection of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm" on page 40.

The Audit Committee Charter is available on our website at
http://www.pfizer.com/about/corporate-governance/board-committees-charters.


  • All Members are Independent, Financially Literate and Qualify as "Audit Committee Financial Experts"
  • Governed by a Board-approved Charter
Compensation Committee
Meetings held in 2016: 9
Compensation Committee
Meetings held in 2016: 9

The Compensation Committee reviews and approves the company's overall compensation philosophy and oversees the administration of Pfizer's executive compensation and benefit programs, policies and practices. Its responsibilities also include:

  • establishing annual and long-term performance goals and objectives for the CEO and reviewing the goals approved by the CEO for our executive officers, including the NEOs identified in the 2016 Summary Compensation Table;
  • evaluating the performance and setting compensation for the CEO;
  • annually reviewing and approving Pfizer's peer companies and data sources for purposes of evaluating our compensation competitiveness and mix of compensation elements;
  • reviewing and assessing annually potential risk to the company from its compensation program and policies;
  • reviewing and approving annually all compensation decisions for the company's executive officers, including the NEOs; and
  • overseeing the administration of the company's cash-based and equity-based compensation plans that are shareholder approved and/or where participants include executive officers or other members of senior management (including reviewing and approving equity grants), including pay equality and non-discrimination by gender or against protected groups.

Each Committee member is a "non-employee director" as defined in Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and an "outside director" as defined in Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The Compensation Committee has the authority to delegate any of its responsibilities to another committee, officer and/or subcommittees, as the Committee may deem appropriate in its sole discretion, subject to applicable law, rules, regulations and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) listing standards.

The Compensation Committee Charter is available on our website at
http://www.pfizer.com/about/corporate-governance/board-committees-charters.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation. During 2016 and as of the date of this Proxy Statement, none of the members of the Compensation Committee was or is an officer or employee of Pfizer, and no executive officer of the company served or serves on the compensation committee or board of any company that employed or employs any member of Pfizer's Compensation Committee or Board of Directors.


  • All Members are Independent
  • Governed by a Board-approved Charter
Corporate Governance Committee
Meetings held in 2016: 5
Corporate Governance Committee
Meetings held in 2016: 5

The Corporate Governance Committee oversees the practices, policies and procedures of the Board and its committees. Responsibilities include:

  • developing criteria for Board membership and Board succession planning;
  • recommending and recruiting Director candidates and ensuring the appropriate balance of diversity of experience, skills, specialized knowledge and attributes of the Directors;
  • assessing Director and candidate independence;
  • considering possible conflicts of interest of Board members and senior executives;
  • reviewing related person transactions; and
  • monitoring the functions of the various Committees of the Board.

The Committee advises on the structure of Board meetings, recommends matters for consideration by the Board and also reviews, advises on and recommends Director compensation, which is approved by the full Board.

The Committee is directly responsible for:

  • overseeing the self-evaluations of the Board and its Committees;
  • reviewing our Corporate Governance Principles and Director Qualification Standards;
  • establishing and overseeing compliance with Director retirement policies;
  • assisting management by reviewing the functions and outside activities of senior executives; and
  • overseeing the company's lobbying priorities and activities.

The Committee also maintains an informed status on: (i) company issues related to public policy, including political spending policies and practices and (ii) company issues related to corporate social responsibility, sustainability and philanthropy.

The Corporate Governance Committee Charter is available on our website at
http://www.pfizer.com/about/corporate-governance/board-committees-charters.


  • All Members are Independent
  • Governed by a Board-approved Charter
Regulatory & Compliance Committee
Meetings held in 2016: 4
Regulatory & Compliance Committee
Meetings held in 2016: 4

The Regulatory and Compliance Committee's primary responsibilities include:

  • assisting the Board of Directors with overseeing and reviewing Pfizer's significant healthcare-related regulatory and compliance issues, including its compliance programs and the status of compliance with applicable laws, regulations and internal procedures;
  • consulting with management and evaluating information and reports on compliance-related activities and matters;
  • overseeing the integration and implementation of the company's compliance programs in acquired entities; and
  • receiving information about current and emerging risks and regulatory and enforcement trends in healthcare-related areas that may affect the company's business operations, performance or strategy.

The Committee, in consultation with the Compensation Committee, also makes recommendations regarding the extent to which, if any, incentive-based compensation of any executive, senior manager, compliance personnel and/or attorney involved in any significant misconduct resulting in certain government or regulatory action, or other person with direct supervision over such employee, should be reduced, cancelled or recovered.

The Regulatory and Compliance Committee Charter is available on our website at
http://www.pfizer.com/about/corporate-governance/board-committees-charters.


  • All Members are Independent
  • Governed by a Board-approved Charter
Science & Technology Committee
Meetings held in 2016: 3
Science & Technology Committee
Meetings held in 2016: 3

The Science and Technology Committee is responsible for periodically examining management's strategic direction of and investment in the company's biopharmaceutical R&D and technology initiatives.

Responsibilities include:

  • monitoring progress of Pfizer's R&D pipeline;
  • evaluating the quality, direction and competitiveness of the company's R&D programs; and
  • reviewing Pfizer's approach to acquiring and maintaining key scientific technologies and capabilities.

The Committee also identifies emerging issues, assesses the performance of R&D leaders, and evaluates the sufficiency of review by external scientific experts.

The Science and Technology Committee Charter is available on our website at
http://www.pfizer.com/about/corporate-governance/board-committees-charters.


  • All Members are Independent
  • Governed by a Board-approved Charter
 
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