Bristol Myers Squibb has announced that Cristian Massacesi, M.D., will begin his new role as Executive Vice President, Chief Medical Officer, and Head of Development on August 1, 2025. In this position, Dr. Massacesi will lead the development of medicines across all treatment areas, from early-stage research to late-stage clinical trials. His appointment marks a significant addition to the company’s leadership team as it continues to prioritize innovation and accelerate its pipeline of breakthrough therapies.
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Christopher Boerner, Ph.D., Board Chair and CEO of Bristol Myers Squibb, expressed his confidence in Dr. Massacesi’s appointment. “We are excited to welcome Cristian to Bristol Myers Squibb,” said Boerner. “His deep scientific knowledge, strong focus on clinical progress, and proven record of getting medicines approved will be very important as we continue to move our pipeline forward and give new treatments to more patients worldwide. Cristian also has a great history of building and leading top-class teams.”
Dr. Massacesi shared his personal motivation and the importance of his new position. “I am on a mission to find new medicines — finding new ways to research and treat difficult diseases so that one day, no patient will hear that there are no more options left,” he said. “I am happy to join BMS in this shared goal, with its long history, wide range of treatments across different areas, great reputation, and culture focused on making a difference.”
As Dr. Massacesi steps into the role, Samit Hirawat, M.D., who has served as Executive Vice President, Chief Medical Officer, and Head of Development for the past six years, will be stepping down. Dr. Hirawat will officially leave the position on August 1, 2025, but will remain with the company as an advisor until November 1, 2025, to support a smooth transition. Reflecting on Dr. Hirawat’s time at BMS, Boerner said, “We truly thank Samit for his leadership and his dedication to developing new medicines at BMS over the past six years. Under his leadership, we have made major scientific advances that have led to the approval of many new products in oncology, hematology, immunology, cardiovascular, and neuroscience. His commitment and vision have helped us progress and put us at the front of impactful medical innovation.”
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Dr. Massacesi brings more than two decades of experience in global biopharmaceutical research and development, with a strong foundation in clinical oncology. He began his career as a practicing medical oncologist and has carried that patient-focused perspective throughout his work in the pharmaceutical industry. Over the years, he has led teams in advancing innovative therapies from discovery to regulatory approval and commercial availability. Known for encouraging bold ideas and fostering collaboration, Dr. Massacesi has helped build high-performing teams that drive scientific progress.
Before joining BMS, Dr. Massacesi held senior leadership roles at AstraZeneca and Alexion, where he most recently served as Chief Medical Officer for both companies and also as Oncology Chief Development Officer at AstraZeneca. In that role, he led a global team of more than 3,000 employees and was instrumental in advancing over 150 clinical trials. His leadership led to multiple successful regulatory approvals in oncology. Earlier in his career, he held key positions at Pfizer and Novartis, where he oversaw major development programs for solid tumors and blood cancers. Dr. Massacesi will be based in Princeton, New Jersey, and will report directly to Christopher Boerner as he begins this critical role at Bristol Myers Squibb.
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