SEPARATION AND SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
EXHIBIT 10.2
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SEPARATION AND SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
This Separation and Settlement Agreement (this
"Agreement") is entered into as of April 25, 2009, by and between
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Ph.D. ("Xx. Xxxxxxx"), and Pfizer Inc ("Pfizer").
Xx. Xxxxxxx and Pfizer are referred to as the "Parties," and each
as a "Party," in this Agreement.
Recitals
A. Xx. Xxxxxxx currently
is employed by Pfizer as Senior Vice President, President of its Biotherapeutics
and Bioinnovation Center, Elected Executive Officer, and a member of Pfizer's
Executive Leadership Team. Xx. Xxxxxxx commenced employment with Pfizer on or
about October 4, 2007, pursuant to the terms of an offer letter dated September
27, 2007 (the "Offer Letter").
B. In the negotiation,
drafting, and execution of this Agreement, Xx. Xxxxxxx has been represented
by Xxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx and Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx of Xxxxxx & Xxxxxxx LLP; and Pfizer
has been represented by Xxx Xxxxxx of Xxxxxxx Xxxxx LLP and Xxxxxxx X. Xxxx
of Paul, Hastings, Xxxxxxxx & Xxxxxx LLP.
C. This Agreement
is the product of good-faith negotiations and compromise. Accordingly, nothing
in this Agreement is intended or will be construed as an admission by either
Party of any act or omission that breached any duty owed to, or violated the
rights of, the other Party.
Based on these recitals, the Parties agree as follows:
Terms
1. Resignation from employment; final compensation arrangements. Upon his execution of this Agreement, Xx. Xxxxxxx will tender his resignation from all aspects of his employment with Pfizer, and all positions he holds with Pfizer, effective May 31, 2009 (his "Resignation Date"), by means of a letter of resignation in the form and substance evidenced by Appendix A to this Agreement. Prior to his Resignation Date, Xx. Xxxxxxx will be on a paid leave of absence from Pfizer, with all of his current compensation and benefits arrangements remaining in full force and effect until his Resignation Date. Upon his Resignation Date, Xx. Xxxxxxx will be paid all of his salary and unused vacation earned or accrued through his Resignation Date. In addition, Xx. Xxxxxxx will be provided with notice of his right to continue his health-insurance coverage, at his own expense, pursuant to COBRA.
2. Forgiveness
of repayment of replacement cash compensation. Although, under his Offer
Letter, Xx. Xxxxxxx'x voluntary resignation prior to his two-year service anniversary
date ordinarily would trigger his obligation to repay to Pfizer the second installment
of his replacement cash compensation which he previously received ($1,700,000
less applicable tax withholding, or $1,066,990) ("Replacement Cash Compensation"),
in consideration of (i) Xx. Xxxxxxx'x acceptance of this Agreement and full
abidance by it; (ii) execution and return to Pfizer not earlier than his Resignation
Date of a Supplemental Release of Claims ("Supplemental Release")
in the form and substance evidenced by Appendix B to this Agreement; and (iii)
his non-revocation of his acceptance of the Supplemental Release within the
seven-day period it provides, Pfizer will forgive the repayment of the Replacement
Cash Compensation and waive the right to seek that repayment from Xx. Xxxxxxx.
3. Agreed-upon
internal communication. Pfizer will release internally within Pfizer an
announcement of Xx. Xxxxxxx'x resignation with the content of Appendix C to
this Agreement.
4. Release of claims by Xx. Xxxxxxx.
a. In consideration of and in exchange for the benefits provided to him under this Agreement, including but not necessarily limited to Pfizer's acceptance of Xx. Xxxxxxx'x resignation effective May 31, 2009, and forgiveness of the repayment of the Replacement Cash Compensation, and except as provided in paragraph 4.d. of this Agreement, Xx. Xxxxxxx, on behalf of himself and his heirs, administrators, executors and assigns, releases and forever discharges Pfizer, its parents, subsidiaries, affiliated companies, successors and assigns, and its and their current and former employees, agents, representatives, shareholders, officers and directors (collectively, the "Pfizer Released Parties," each a "Pfizer Released Party") from any and all claims, injuries, damages, remedies, attorneys' fees and costs or any other losses, whether known or unknown, including but not limited to those arising out of or in any way relating to the Offer Letter, Xx. Xxxxxxx'x employment with Pfizer, the termination of Xx. Xxxxxxx'x employment with Pfizer, or otherwise, that he has or may have by reason of any facts or circumstances from the beginning of time through the date Xx. Xxxxxxx executes this Agreement (collectively, the "Xxxxxxx Released Claims," each a "Xxxxxxx Released Claim").
b. The Xxxxxxx Released Claims include but are not limited to any and all claims for breach of contract, personal injury, wages, benefits, defamation, wrongful discharge, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, impairment of economic opportunity, intentional infliction of emotional harm, negligence, or other tort, and any and all other claims based on any oral or written agreements or promises, whether arising under statute (including but not limited to claims arising under the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Equal Pay Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, the National Labor Relations Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the California Labor Code, and/or any and all other federal, state, local or foreign statutes, executive orders or regulations), contract (express or implied), constitutional provision, common law, public policy or otherwise, from the beginning of time through the date Xx. Xxxxxxx executes this Agreement.
c. The Xxxxxxx Released Claims include all such known and unknown claims. Xx. Xxxxxxx therefore waives the protections of California Civil Code section 1542, which states:
A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing the release, which if known by him or her must have materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor.
d. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Xxxxxxx Released Claims do not include:(1) any claim to benefits under any Pfizer employee-benefit plan that that already are or will be vested as of Xx. Xxxxxxx'x Resignation Date;
(2) any claim Xx. Xxxxxxx has or could assert as a Pfizer stockholder;
(3) any claim for unemployment-insurance or workers-compensation benefits;
(4) any charge or complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing alleging discrimination or other conduct prohibited by applicable anti-discrimination or equal employment opportunity law; a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board; or a charge or complaint with any other administrative agency to the extent that right may not be waived by private agreement absent judicial or governmental supervision; provided that Xx. Xxxxxxx still waives and releases the right to recover monetary damages in any charge, complaint or lawsuit filed by him or by anyone else on his behalf;
(5) any claim against Pfizer for indemnity or contribution with respect to any claim asserted against Xx. Xxxxxxx by any third party arising from or related to Xx. Xxxxxxx'x employment with Pfizer for which indemnity or contribution is provided by law or Pfizer's articles of incorporation or corporate by-laws; and
(6) any other claim that may not be waived by private agreement without judicial or governmental supervision.
5. Release of claims by Pfizer.
a. In consideration of and in exchange for Xx. Xxxxxxx'x acceptance of this Agreement and the obligations it imposes upon him, and except as provided in paragraph 5.d. of this Agreement, Pfizer, on behalf of itself and its parents, subsidiaries, affiliated companies, successors and assigns, releases and forever discharges Xx. Xxxxxxx and his heirs, administrators, executors and assigns (the "Xxxxxxx Released Parties," each a "Xxxxxxx Released Party") from any and all claims, injuries, damages, remedies, attorneys' fees and costs or any other losses, whether known or unknown, arising from or related to Xx. Xxxxxxx'x employment with Pfizer (collectively, the "Pfizer Released Claims," each a "Pfizer Released Claim").
b. The Pfizer Released Claims include but are not limited to any and all claims under the law of contract or tort, any claim based on breach of a statutory duty, and any other claim, from the beginning of time through the date Pfizer executes this Agreement.
c. The Pfizer Released Claims include all such known and unknown claims. Pfizer therefore waives the protections of California Civil Code section 1542, which states:
A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing the release, which if known by him or her must have materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor.
d. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Pfizer Released Claims do not include:(1) any claim against Xx. Xxxxxxx for indemnity or contribution with respect to any claim asserted against Pfizer by any third party arising from or related to Xx. Xxxxxxx'x employment with Pfizer for which indemnity or contribution is provided by law or Pfizer's articles of incorporation or corporate by-laws; and
(2) any other claim that may not be waived by private agreement without judicial or governmental supervision.
6. Non-alienation
of claims. Xx. Xxxxxxx represents and warrants that he has not assigned,
transferred, or otherwise alienated any of the Xxxxxxx Released Claims to any
third party, and Pfizer represents that it has not assigned, transferred, or
otherwise alienated any of the Pfizer Released Claims to any third party. Xx.
Xxxxxxx will indemnify Pfizer and hold it harmless from all damages, losses,
costs and expenses which Pfizer may suffer or incur as a result of the assertion
against it of any Xxxxxxx Released Claim by any third party, and Pfizer will
indemnify Xx. Xxxxxxx and hold him harmless from all damages, losses, costs
and expenses which Xx. Xxxxxxx may suffer or incur as a result of the assertion
against him of any Pfizer Released Claim by any third party.
7. Non-disparagement. Xx. Xxxxxxx will not disparage any Pfizer Released Party or any Pfizer Released Party's goods, services, employees, customers, business relationships, or financial condition. No member of Pfizer's Executive Leadership Team will disparage Xx. Xxxxxxx. For purposes of this Agreement, to "disparage" means to make statements, whether true or false, that cast the subject of the statement in a critical or unfavorable light. Nothing in the foregoing will preclude Xx. Xxxxxxx or the other individuals referenced in this paragraph from providing truthful disclosures to an appropriate government agency, arbitrator, or court related to a legally-required filing, a governmental investigation, or a pending matter in controversy.
8. Confidentiality. Neither Xx. Xxxxxxx nor anyone acting by, through, under or in concert with him will speak to the press or other news or public media about his employment at Pfizer, the circumstances of his resignation from employment with Pfizer, or this Agreement, other than remarks or responses consistent with the agreed-upon communication described in paragraph 3 of this Agreement. Neither any member of Pfizer's Executive Leadership Team, nor any member of the Pfizer media relations team or the Pfizer investor relations team, nor anyone acting by, through, under or in concert with such person, will speak to the press or other news or public media about Xx. Xxxxxxx'x employment at Pfizer, the circumstances of his resignation from employment with Pfizer, or this Agreement, other than remarks or responses consistent with the agreed-upon communication described in paragraph 3 of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement may be disclosed as required by applicable securities or other laws, and introduced as evidence in a subsequent proceeding in which either Xx. Xxxxxxx or a Released Party alleges a breach of this Agreement, or one of them asserts any claim or commences any legal proceeding against the other.
9. Protection
of Pfizer Confidential Information; return of Pfizer property; injunctive relief.
a. Except as otherwise required by law, Xx. Xxxxxxx will not disclose, directly or indirectly, any trade secrets, confidential information, intellectual property, or other proprietary information belonging to Pfizer or any business partner of Pfizer's that he learned, obtained, acquired or had access to while employed by Pfizer, including but not limited to technologies, financial information and data, personnel and compensation information, marketing data or information, customer identities, customer lists, and business information, including without limitation files, papers, memoranda, correspondence, reports, mailing lists, rolodexes, tape or other recordings, pictures, software and hardware, laptop, BlackBerry, cell telephone, keys, identification card, security access cards, credit cards, computer print-outs, computer disks and tapes, etc. (collectively, the "Confidential Information"). Confidential Information does not include information that is or becomes publicly available, other than by the actions of Xx. Xxxxxxx. Xx. Xxxxxxx also will not use any such Confidential Information to damage Pfizer or its interests, customers, or business partners.
b. Xx. Xxxxxxx will remain bound and strictly abide by the applicable terms of any agreement related to Confidential Information or the assignment of inventions and patent rights and protection of Pfizer property to which he previously agreed.
c. In executing this Agreement, Xx. Xxxxxxx certifies that he has removed and returned to Pfizer, or will do so as soon as possible and by not later than May 31, 2009, all Confidential Information from his home and/or personal-computer drives and from any other personal electronic, digital or magnetic storage devices; and all property belonging to Pfizer.
d. Xx. Xxxxxxx acknowledges that Pfizer would be irreparably injured by a violation by him of any provision of this paragraph 9. In the event of any such breach or threatened breach, Pfizer will be entitled to a temporary restraining order and/or preliminary and/or permanent injunction, or other equivalent relief, restraining Xx. Xxxxxxx from any actual or threatened breach of this paragraph, as well as any other relief provided by law, including damages.
10. Non-solicitation.
While he remains a Pfizer employee and continuing during the period ending on
August 31, 2009, Xx. Xxxxxxx will not directly or indirectly solicit, or induce
any other person to solicit, any Pfizer employee to leave Pfizer's employ and
become employed by a Pfizer competitor.
11. Cooperation
with requests for information and assistance. Xx. Xxxxxxx will be available,
upon reasonable notice, to respond to questions and provide assistance to Pfizer
regarding matters for which he was responsible and about which he had knowledge
in connection with his employment with Pfizer. Xx. Xxxxxxx also will fully cooperate
in any potential or pending litigation that may involve him in any capacity
as a result of his employment with Pfizer. This includes, if necessary, meeting
at mutually convenient times with Pfizer's attorneys, attending meetings, depositions
and trial, and providing truthful testimony. Except to the extent that Xx. Xxxxxxx
is a defendant or co-defendant in such proceedings under circumstances in which
he is not entitled to indemnity by Pfizer, or a subpoenaed witness (other than
being subpoenaed by Pfizer or at Pfizer's request), Pfizer will reasonably compensate
Xx. Xxxxxxx, at rates consistent with those applicable to an expert of Xx. Xxxxxxx'x
qualifications and experience, for his time in complying with this paragraph
and will provide prompt reimbursement for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
he incurs in complying with this paragraph, including, without limitation, business-class
airfare, hotels, meals, ground transportation, and other travel expenses.
12. No admission
of fault. This Agreement is the product of good-faith negotiations and compromise.
Accordingly, nothing in this Agreement is intended or will be construed as an
admission by either Party of any act or omission that breached any duty owed
to, or violated the rights of, the other Party.
13. Arbitration. Any claim or controversy arising from or related to this Agreement will be settled by binding arbitration conducted by Judicial Arbitration & Mediation Services ("JAMS") pursuant to its applicable rules, to be conducted in the City and County of San Francisco. The award of the arbitrator may be enforced as a judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction.
14. Time to consider whether to accept Agreement; advice to consult counsel; right to revoke acceptance. Xx. Xxxxxxx has 21 days after being presented with this Agreement, or not later than May 16, 2009, to consider and accept this Agreement, although he is free to accept this Agreement at any time within that 21-day period. Xx. Xxxxxxx is advised to consult an attorney about this Agreement. If Xx. Xxxxxxx accepts this Agreement, he must send a copy of the signed Agreement by facsimile, and mail or deliver the original of the signed Agreement, to:
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxx
Paul, Hastings, Xxxxxxxx & Xxxxxx LLP
00 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, 00xx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000
Telephone: (000) 000-0000
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
Xx. Xxxxxxx will have an additional seven days after he signs this Agreement
in which to revoke his acceptance, which he may do by sending by facsimile and
delivering or mailing a signed notice of revocation to Xxxxxxx X. Xxxx at the
facsimile number and address shown above. If this seven-day period elapses without
a timely revocation by Xx. Xxxxxxx, the Agreement will become final and effective.
15. Applicable
law. Except to the extent that federal law governs, this Agreement will
be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the
State of California.
16. Integrated agreement; changes. This Agreement contains the entire agreement between Xx. Xxxxxxx and Pfizer and replaces any prior agreements or understandings between the parties (including, but not limited to, the Offer Letter), whether written or oral, except for any agreements Xx. Xxxxxxx may have signed in connection with or during his employment governing the protection of Confidential Information or the assignment of inventions and patent rights and protection of Pfizer property, all of which will remain in full force and effect. This Agreement may not be changed unless the changes are in writing and signed by Xx. Xxxxxxx and an authorized representative of Pfizer.
17. Severability. If any provisions of this Agreement are declared unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, then such provisions will be deemed to be removed from the Agreement and the remaining provisions will be unaffected and remain valid and binding upon the Parties.
18. Representations and warranties by Xx. Xxxxxxx. By signing this Agreement, Xx. Xxxxxxx warrants that he:
a. has carefully read and reviewed this Agreement;
b. fully understands all of its terms and conditions;
c. fully understands that this Agreement is legally binding and that by signing it he is giving up certain rights;
d. has not relied on any other representations by Pfizer or its employees or agents, whether written or oral, concerning the terms
of this Agreement;
e. has been provided up to 21 days to consider whether to accept this Agreement;
f. will have seven days to revoke his acceptance after signing it;
g. has been advised, and have had the opportunity, to consult with an attorney prior to executing this Agreement;
h. executes and delivers this Agreement freely and voluntarily;
i. is waiving any rights or claims he may have under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; and
j. is not waiving any rights or claims which may arise after this Agreement is signed.
Execution by Parties
The Parties accept and agree to this Agreement.
Dated: April 26, 2009. XXXXX X. XXXXXXX, PH.D.
/s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
Dated: April 27, 2009. PFIZER
INC
By:
/s/ Xxx X. Xxxxxxxx
Xxx
X. Xxxxxxxx, Senior Vice President and General Counsel
APPENDIX A
[LETTER OF RESIGNATION]
[CG LETTERHEAD]
_____ __, 2009
Board of Directors
Pfizer Inc 000 Xxxx 00xx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Re: Resignation from Employment
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Effective May 31, 2009, I hereby resign from my
positions as Senior Vice President, President, Biotherapeutics and Bioinnovation
Center of Pfizer Inc, and any and all other positions of employment or otherwise
with Pfizer Inc, its subsidiaries, and any other of its affiliated entities
held by me.
Very truly yours,
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Ph.D.
APPENDIX B
[SUPPLEMENTAL RELEASE OF CLAIMS]
SUPPLEMENTAL RELEASE OF CLAIMS
YOU ARE ADVISED
TO CONSULT AN ATTORNEY ABOUT THIS RELEASE
1. In consideration of and in exchange for the benefits provided to me under my Separation and Settlement Agreement dated as of April 25, 2009 (the "Agreement"), including but not necessarily limited to the acceptance by Pfizer Inc ("Pfizer") of my resignation effective May 31, 2009 (my "Resignation Date"), and forgiveness of the repayment of the Replacement Cash Compensation as set forth in the Agreement, I, on behalf of myself and my heirs, administrators, executors and assigns, release and forever discharge Pfizer, its parents, subsidiaries, affiliated companies, successors and assigns, and its and their current and former employees, agents, representatives, shareholders, officers and directors (collectively, the "Released Parties," each a "Released Party") from any and all claims, injuries, damages, remedies, attorneys' fees and costs or any other losses, whether known or unknown, including but not limited to those arising out of or in any way relating to my September 27, 2007, offer letter, my employment with Pfizer, the termination of my employment with Pfizer, or otherwise, that I have or may have by reason of any facts or circumstances from the beginning of time through the date I execute this Supplemental Release of Claims (collectively, the "Released Claims," each a "Released Claim").
2. The Released Claims include but are not limited to any and all claims for breach of contract, personal injury, wages, benefits, defamation, wrongful discharge, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, impairment of economic opportunity, intentional infliction of emotional harm, negligence, or other tort, and any and all other claims based on any oral or written agreements or promises, whether arising under statute (including but not limited to claims arising under the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Equal Pay Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, the National Labor Relations Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the California Labor Code, and/or any and all other federal, state, local or foreign statutes, executive orders or regulations), contract (express or implied), constitutional provision, common law, public policy or otherwise, from the beginning of time through the date he executes this Agreement.
3. The Released Claims include all such known and unknown claims. I therefore waive the protections of California Civil Code section 1542, which states:
A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know
or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing the release,
which if known by him or her must have materially affected his or her settlement
with the debtor.
4. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Released Claims do not include:
a. any claim to benefits under any Pfizer employee-benefit plan that that already are or will be vested as of my Resignation Date;
b. any claim I have or could assert as a Pfizer stockholder;
c. any claim for unemployment-insurance or workers-compensation benefits;
d. any charge or complaint with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing alleging discrimination or other conduct prohibited by applicable anti-discrimination or equal employment opportunity law; a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board; or a charge or complaint with any other administrative agency to the extent that right may not be waived by private agreement absent judicial or governmental supervision; provided that I still waive and release the right to recover monetary damages in any charge, complaint or lawsuit filed by me or by anyone else on my behalf;
e. any claim against Pfizer for indemnity or contribution with respect to any claim asserted against me by any third party arising from or related to my employment with Pfizer for which indemnity or contribution or indemnity is provided by law or Pfizer's articles of incorporation or corporate bylaws; and
f. any other claim that may not be waived by private agreement without judicial or governmental supervision.
5. In signing this Supplemental Release of Claims ("Supplemental Release"), I represent and warrant that I:
a. have carefully read and reviewed this Supplemental Release;
b. fully understand all of its terms and conditions;
c. fully understand that this Supplemental Release is legally binding and that by signing it I am giving up certain rights;
d. have not relied on any other representations by Pfizer or its employees or agents, whether written or oral, concerning the terms of this Supplemental Release;
e. have been provided up to 21 days to consider whether to accept this Supplemental Release;
f. will have seven days to revoke my acceptance after signing it, and may do so by submitting by facsimile and mailing or delivering a notice of revocation to:
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxx
Paul, Hastings, Xxxxxxxx & Xxxxxx LLP
00 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, 00xx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000
Telephone: (000) 000-0000
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
g. have been advised, and have had the opportunity, to consult with an attorney prior to executing this Supplemental Release;
h. execute and deliver this Supplemental Release freely and voluntarily;
i. am waiving any rights or claims I may have under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; and
j. am not waiving any rights or claims which may arise after this Supplemental Release is signed.
Dated: ______________, 2009. XXXXX X. XXXXXXX, Ph.D.
_____________________
APPENDIX C
[INTERNAL COMMUNICATION REGARDING XX. XXXXXXX'X RESIGNATION]
Dear BBC Colleagues,
I am writing to inform you that after much consideration
Xxxxx Xxxxxxx, President, Biotherapeutics and Bioinnovation Center (BBC), a
truly outstanding scientist and Pfizer leader, has decided to leave the organization.
With the BBC federation thriving and well positioned
to help Pfizer achieve leadership in biotherapeutics, Xxxxx felt that the time
was right for him to pursue other opportunities, which will undoubtedly include
what had once drawn him to launch two biotech startups and enter the pharmaceutical
industry-innovation and challenge. We can be certain that the next chapter in
his career will heavily involve these two areas where science and society interface
and where he can continue to make a meaningful difference for human health and
major medical needs.
Corey's career has been marked by academic and
scientific excellence and distinction. At Pfizer, it has been no different.
Xxxxx joined Pfizer nearly two years ago to help build a research organization
that, through its biotech strengths, capabilities and spirit, would be truly
innovative. The BBC has been tremendously successful in driving our biotherapeutics
strategy forward, advancing Pfizer as a leader in cutting-edge biotherapeutic
technologies and positioning us for clinical, commercial and competitive success.
Under Corey's leadership, we began to see significant
results, and are grateful for all that he and each of you have done to shape
our burgeoning biotherapeutics capabilities and portfolio and xxxxxx an entrepreneurial
spirit that has spread beyond the BBC.
Once our acquisition of Wyeth is completed later
this year, the new Biotherapeutics Research Group will build on the strong foundation
and momentum from both the BBC and Wyeth Biotech. Under the future leadership
of Mikael Dolsten, who is greatly impressed by what you have achieved, and the
way you have achieved it, the BBC will continue as a federation of distinct
research units and will have an even greater opportunity to advance scientific
programs within the future organization that Xxxxx helped design.
Until the close of the Wyeth acquisition, I have
asked Xxxxxx Xxxxx, Chief Scientific Officer for CovX, to lead the BBC, ensure
a smooth transition and continue to help all of you propel the BBC forward in
meeting your 2009 commitments. He will report into Xxxxxx Xxxxxx until Mikael
is in his new role.
Xxxxx has had many impressive chapters in his
career, and we wish him all the best in his next one. I hope that you will join
me in thanking Xxxxx for his contributions and for his leadership of the BBC
and our company.
Sincerely,
Xxxx