Wyeth's Robert R. Ruffolo, Jr. would retire as president, Wyeth Research and senior vice president, Wyeth, later this year. He would be succeeded by Mikael Dohlsten.

"Robert Ruffolo has been the driving force of our R&D progress, establishing Wyeth as one of the research leaders in the pharmaceutical industry," said Bernard Poussot, president and CEO, Wyeth. "His legacy will be our pipeline, recognized as one of the industry's most innovative. Bob has helped position our company for future growth through robust research and development programs in oncology, women's health, vaccines, inflammation, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases and neuroscience - led by our multi-platform effort in Alzheimer's."

Dr. Ruffolo joined Wyeth in November 2000 and has been responsible for all pharmaceutical research and development (R&D) for the company, including discovery, drug safety and metabolism, chemical and pharmaceutical development, clinical R&D and research operations.

Throughout his 31-year career in the pharmaceutical industry, Dr. Ruffolo's work has been recognized with a number of prestigious awards. In March, he was recognised by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) with the 2008 Discoverer's Award for his efforts in the discovery and development of Coreg while at GlaxoSmithKline. The Wyeth Research and Development Executive Team (RADEX), formed and chaired by Dr. Ruffolo, won the 2006 Scrip Award for Management Team of the Year. In 2005, he won the George B. Koelle Award for Scientific Excellence. In 2004, he was named chief scientific officer of the year by IBC Conferences.

Mikael Dohlsten, previously executive vice president with Pharmaceutical Research and Development/Medicine at Boehringer Ingelheim. Prior to joining Boehringer Ingelheim, Dr. Dohlsten spent more than 15 years in various leadership roles in pharmaceutical research including positions with AstraZeneca and Pharmacia and Upjohn.

"We look forward to Dr. Dohlsten's leadership as we work together to continue our success at Wyeth Research," said Bernard Poussot. "His experience with industry in a broad range of therapeutic areas, and his vision going forward, match well with our scientific objectives. We know Mikael's global experience and perspective will be an inspiration to Wyeth's outstanding research teams."