Pfizer Inc announced that Karen L. Katen, Executive Vice President of Pfizer Inc and President, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Group, has been selected to serve on the U.S.-Japan Private Sector/Government Commission.

The Commission was created in 2001 by President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi as a key feature of the U.S.-Japan Economic Partnership for Growth. Its aim is to integrate the U.S. and Japanese private sectors more fully into the economic work of the two governments.

"I am honored to be asked to serve on the Commission, given the importance of the relationship between the United States and Japan," Katen said. "I am confident the Commission will continue to play a constructive role in maintaining and expanding the dialogue between the two nations."

As head of Pfizer's principal operating division, Katen leads the world's largest pharmaceutical business, with $28.3 billion in revenues in 2002.