Pfizer said on Wednesday it has named company veteran and oncology head Chris Boshoff as its chief of research and development, as the drugmaker faces pressure from investors to produce profitable new drugs.

Chris Boshoff will take on the role of chief scientific officer starting Jan 1 & oversee all functions of research & development across all therapeutic area

Pfizer said on Wednesday it has named company veteran Chris Boshoff, who led the drugmaker's cancer research and marketing for more than a year, as its chief of research and development. The appointment comes at a time when Pfizer is facing pressure from activist investor Starboard,