Bristol Myers Squibb Appoints Cristian Massacesi as Chief Medical Officer

Bristol Myers Squibb appoints Cristian Massacesi, M.D. as Executive Vice President, Chief Medical Officer, and Head of Development, effective August 1, 2025. Dr. Massacesi will oversee early-stage and late-stage product development across all therapeutic areas. Samit Hirawat, M.D. will step down from his role on August 1 and depart BMS on November 1.

Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) has announced the appointment of Cristian Massacesi, M.D., as Executive Vice President, Chief Medical Officer, and Head of Development, effective August 1, 2025. Dr. Massacesi will oversee the company’s early-stage and late-stage product development across all therapeutic areas. Samit Hirawat, M.D., the current Executive Vice President, Chief Medical Officer, and Head of Development, will step down from his role on August 1 and depart BMS on November 1 [1].

Dr. Massacesi brings over 20 years of global biopharmaceutical experience, with a proven track record of advancing breakthrough science from early through late-stage development and global regulatory approvals. He most recently served as Chief Medical Officer of AstraZeneca and Alexion, and as Oncology Chief Development Officer at AstraZeneca, where he led a global organization of more than 3,000 employees. Under his leadership, AstraZeneca advanced over 150 clinical studies and secured multiple regulatory approvals [2].

“Dr. Massacesi’s deep scientific expertise, strong focus on clinical execution, and proven track record of regulatory approvals will be instrumental as we continue to advance our pipeline and deliver breakthrough medicines to even more patients around the world,” said Christopher Boerner, Ph.D., Board Chair and CEO of Bristol Myers Squibb [1].

Samit Hirawat, who has been with BMS since 2019, has led the company in bringing to market several notable drugs, including Sotyktu, Reblozyl, Camzyos, Opdualag, and Cobenfy. Under his guidance, BMS has also expanded its pipeline through strategic acquisitions such as RayzeBio, BioNTech, and Mirati Therapeutics. Hirawat will transition from his current role on August 1, 2025, and will remain an advisor to the company through November 1, 2025, to ensure a seamless transition [2].

Dr. Massacesi will be based in Princeton, New Jersey, and report directly to Christopher Boerner. His appointment comes at a time when BMS is facing challenges such as generic competition for its cancer medicine Revlimid and the looming patent expirations of its cancer immunotherapy Opdivo and blood thinner Eliquis. However, his experience at AstraZeneca, where he helped shape the company’s oncology drug pipeline, could be beneficial in navigating these challenges [2].

References:
[1] https://news.bms.com/news/corporate-financial/2025/Cristian-Massacesi-M-D--Joins-Bristol-Myers-Squibb-as-Executive-Vice-President-Chief-Medical-Officer-and-Head-of-Development/default.aspx
[2] https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/bristol-myers-cmo-massacesi-hirawat-succeed/754063/