Bristol Myers Squibb Names New EVP, Chief Medical Officer and Head of Development

Bristol Myers Squibb has appointed Cristian Massacesi, M.D., as Executive Vice President, Chief Medical Officer, and Head of Development, effective August 1, 2025. In this role, Massacesi will oversee the company’s early-stage and late-stage product development across all therapeutic areas.

Samit Hirawat, M.D., Bristol Myers Squibb’s Executive Vice President, Chief Medical Officer, and Head of Development for the past six years, is stepping down to pursue new professional opportunities. Hirawat will remain an advisor to the Company through November 1, 2025, to ensure a seamless transition.

“We are thrilled to welcome Cristian to Bristol Myers Squibb,” said Christopher Boerner, Ph.D., Board Chair and CEO, Bristol Myers Squibb. “His deep scientific expertise, strong focus on clinical execution and proven track record of regulatory approvals will be instrumental as we continue to advance our pipeline and deliver breakthrough medicines to even more patients around the world. Cristian also has a very strong track record of building and developing world-class teams.”

About Cristian Massacesi

Massacesi began his career in the healthcare field as a medical oncologist, bringing the ethos of putting patients first into his more than 20 years of global biopharmaceutical experience. He has a track record of advancing breakthrough science from early through late-stage development and global regulatory approvals, inspiring and encouraging his teams to identify novel strategies and take smart risks.

He most recently served as Chief Medical Officer of AstraZeneca and Alexion and as Oncology Chief Development Officer at AstraZeneca, where he led a global organization of more than 3,000 employees. Under his leadership, AstraZeneca advanced over 150 clinical studies and secured multiple regulatory approvals. Prior to his tenure at AstraZeneca, Massacesi held senior R&D positions at Pfizer and Novartis, where he oversaw development programs across solid tumors and hematologic malignancies.

Massacesi will be based in Princeton, New Jersey, and report directly to Christopher Boerner.

“I am on a mission to discover new medicines – unlocking innovative approaches to researching and treating challenging diseases so that one day, no patient will hear that all options have been exhausted,” Massacesi remarked. “I am excited to join BMS in this shared purpose, with its storied history, vast pipeline across therapeutic areas, exceptional reputation, and culture deeply committed to making a difference.”