Viatris Welcomes David Simmons to Its Board of Directors
PITTSBURGH, August 5, 2025 — Viatris Inc. (Nasdaq: VTRS), a global healthcare powerhouse, has made a significant leadership move by announcing the appointment of David Simmons to its Board of Directors. With a wealth of experience in the pharmaceutical industry and corporate governance, Simmons is poised to contribute meaningfully to Viatris' strategic objectives.
Simmons brings a robust resume to the board, having accumulated extensive expertise over his long-standing career in the pharmaceutical sector. Currently, he serves as the CEO of Caliber Holdings Corporation, but his previous leadership roles include pivotal positions such as Chairman and CEO at PPD, Inc., an international contract research organization. His management skills were evident during his tenure at PPD where he was responsible for a global workforce exceeding 30,000 employees, managing drug development programs across 46 countries. Notably, Simmons played a key role in the company's journey from an initial public offering in 2020 to its acquisition by Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. in 2021 for a staggering $17.4 billion.
David Simmons' pharmaceutical journey also includes significant years at Pfizer Inc., where he rose through the ranks, ultimately taking charge of the Established Products Unit. In addition, as the President and General Manager of Emerging Markets and Established Products at Pfizer, he oversaw around 20,000 employees and was responsible for 30% of the company’s sales globally.
Beyond Viatris, Simmons has demonstrated leadership on various boards, serving organizations such as Cordis, Launch Therapeutics, and Medline Industries. His venture capital advisory role with Abingworth LLP further underscores his profound understanding of the life sciences arena.
Melina Higgins, Chair of Viatris' Board of Directors, expressed her enthusiasm about Simmons’ appointment, stating, "As we continue to build a diverse board that encompasses significant industry experience, we couldn't be happier to welcome David. His executive background and familiarity with the evolution of Viatris make him a fitting addition to our board."
Scott A. Smith, Viatris' CEO, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that Simmons' proven expertise in global commercialization and research & development will bring invaluable insights to the board. Smith looks forward to collaborating closely with Simmons as they collectively steer the company toward its future goals, focusing on strong operational execution and advancing their product pipeline.
About Viatris
Viatris, globally positioned, aims to bridge the divide between generics and brand-name products, facilitating greater access to healthcare. The company is dedicated to enabling people around the world to lead healthier lives at every stage. Serving nearly a billion patients globally each year, Viatris provides a vast portfolio of high-quality medications, addressing both chronic and acute health conditions. The company operates from its headquarters in the U.S., with expansion points in Pittsburgh, Shanghai, and Hyderabad, India.
For further details, visit
Viatris' official website, or follow them on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and X.
Looking Ahead
The appointment of David Simmons marks a significant milestone in Viatris' ongoing commitment to enhancing its board's depth and expertise. As the company looks forward, Simmons' strategic insight and strong leadership will undoubtedly support Viatris in achieving its objectives and enhancing shareholder value.