Bristol Myers Squibb has appointed Cari Gallman as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Policy Officer, effective immediately. Gallman succeeds Sandra Leung, who has chosen to retire after a 33-year career at the company.

Gallman, an accomplished leader with extensive experience in pharmaceutical law and compliance, will lead the law department as well as global and U.S. policy and government affairs. She has held leadership positions at Bristol Myers Squibb for 10 years.

“Cari brings a unique combination of legal, policy and communications expertise, coupled with an impressive ability to inspire teams, uphold ethical business practices and champion patient voices,” said Christopher Boerner, Ph.D., board chair and CEO, Bristol Myers Squibb. “I am confident that under Cari’s leadership, our legal and policy teams are well positioned to advance Bristol Myers Squibb’s efforts to drive and deliver innovation to patients facing serious diseases.”

About Cari Gallman

Prior to her appointment as Bristol Myers Squibb’s Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Policy Officer, Gallman served as Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and was responsible for advancing the company strategy through strategic communications, government relations and policy, corporate social responsibility, corporate marketing and brand reputation, and patient advocacy.

Gallman joined Bristol Myers Squibb in 2015 and assumed positions of increasing responsibility, including as head of the legal team supporting the Global Oncology Commercialization and Development organizations.

Gallman began her legal career in private practice representing pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers in a variety of complex civil, regulatory, and government enforcement matters.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in political theory from Princeton University, magna cum laude, and a JD from Harvard Law School.

“It is an honor to have the opportunity to lead the incredible teams that govern and counsel Bristol Myers Squibb in advancing its mission to deliver transformational medicines to more patients,” said Gallman. “I am committed to continuing to build on the company’s culture of integrity and shape a dynamic policy environment that protects innovation and patients.”