Pfizer China Executive Wu Kun to Remain as Chief Operating Officer for Biopharma Division

According to reliable sources, colleagues in Pfizer’s China Emerging Markets region received an internal email today:

Mr. Kun Wu has decided to remain with the company as Chief Operating Officer of Pfizer Biopharmaceuticals Group China, reporting to Mr. Andreas Penk effective January 1, 2020. In this role, Mr. Wu will oversee functions including sales, marketing, and business operations. Mr. Penk and Mr. Wu will work closely together in the coming weeks to establish a comprehensive organizational structure for Pfizer’s innovative pharmaceutical business in China.

On November 15, at the Pfizer Biopharmaceuticals China Town Hall, a shocking announcement was made: Wu Kun, General Manager of Pfizer Biopharmaceuticals China, will leave Pfizer at the end of the year. He will be succeeded by Andreas Penk, current President of Oncology for Pfizer International Developed Markets (IDM).

Wu Kun joined Pfizer in 1995 and has worked there for 24 years, holding a series of positions in Pfizer’s sales and marketing departments, including Regional Manager, Area Manager, National Sales Director, Marketing Director, and Acting General Manager of the Primary Care Business Unit. In 2014, he was appointed as the Manager of Pfizer China's Acute Care Business Group. The news of Mr. Wu Kun’s resignation immediately sparked widespread discussion among industry insiders, with even a veteran figure who had been with Pfizer China for 24 years now departing!

In fact, Pfizer’s changes did not cease throughout 2019. The spin-off of Upjohn, the simultaneous departure of five senior executives, and the sluggish performance growth in the first half of the year have all raised questions among pharmaceutical professionals and investors about Pfizer’s future development.

Mr. Wu Kun’s retention is welcome news for colleagues in emerging markets. As for where Mr. Wu will lead Pfizer’s Biopharmaceuticals Group next, and how the world’s largest pharmaceutical company will navigate industry inflection points to sustain its legacy of excellence, we await with keen interest.