Pfizer has now brought my metaphor to life:
A Long Shot Becomes Pfizer's Latest Chief Executive
In an abrupt move yesterday, Pfizer named its general counsel, Jeffrey B. Kindler, as chief executive, succeeding Henry A. McKinnell, who had been expected to resign in February 2008 ... Analysts and investors had viewed Mr. Kindler, 51, as a long shot for the job at Pfizer, the world’s largest drug maker. Unlike the other candidates, who are longtime employees, Mr. Kindler came to Pfizer four years ago from McDonald’s, the restaurant chain, and has no other pharmaceutical industry experience. He served as general counsel at McDonald’s and was president of the company’s smaller brands, like Boston Market.
So, it has been decided that a lawyer (see also: no science or biomedical background) who ran fast food emporiums will now run a huge multinational pharma company. I'm not sure whether I should laugh or cry.
I do wish Pfizer and its stockholders the best of luck, after watching another non-scientist take another pharma company from the heights of scientist-led glory to where it is today.
It's not all bad, however. It is possible that Pfizer employees will be the beneficiaries of better, tastier chicken and hamburgers in the corporate cafeterias.
-- SS
Post Title → Pfizer brings life to my "If you've run McDonald's, you can run anything" metaphor!
