Pfizer names vaccines head as ANZ interim Managing Director

Pfizer has appointed Ben Fitzsimmons as Interim Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand, effective 4 May 2026.

He takes the reins from Anne Harris, Managing Director, Pfizer Australia and New Zealand, Cluster Lead, Pfizer Developed Asia and Deputy Chair of Medicines Australia, who joined Pfizer ANZ in 1999 and has led the business since 2020, including through the crisis of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Fitzsimmons will assume responsibility for guiding the organisation with a focus on deepening collaboration with government and regulatory bodies, as Pfizer seeks to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient health system. A central priority will be the push for the implementation of the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Review recommendations to advance faster and more equitable access to medicines for patients across Australia and New Zealand.

“It is a privilege to lead the ANZ business at this pivotal time, and a responsibility I take on with gratitude and excitement. This is a special organisation, shaped by our people and united by a shared purpose,” said Fitzsimmons. “We are on the cusp of thrilling advancements, and I’m committed to advocating for earlier and more equitable access to innovative medicines for patients. I look forward to working with our talented teams and valued partners to deliver better health outcomes for Australian communities.”

With more than 25 years in the pharmaceutical industry, Fitzsimmons brings extensive leadership experience across global, regional and local markets. His background spans multiple therapeutic areas, including vaccines, specialty care, hospital, primary and consumer healthcare. Most recently, he led Pfizer ANZ’s Vaccines business, reflecting a leadership pathway similar to that of Harris prior to her appointment as Managing Director.

Fitzsimmons is widely recognised for his ability to operate effectively within complex access and policy environments. He has built a reputation for developing high performing and inclusive teams, leading organisations through periods of growth, transformation and complexity. His leadership philosophy centres on developing talent, fostering psychological safety and creating environments where colleagues are empowered to innovate and learn.

Pfizer said the appointment reflects its view that strong, values led leadership is essential to translating scientific innovation into tangible health outcomes, particularly within highly regulated and complex healthcare systems.

In reimagining healthcare across the entire patient journey, Health Industry Hub^TM is the only one-stop-hub uniting the diversity of the Pharma, MedTech, Diagnostics & Biotech sectors to inspire meaningful change.

The Health Industry Hub^TM content is copyright protected. Access is available under individual user licenses. Please click here to subscribe and visit T&Cs here.