Pfizer has appointed Ali Besri as Country President for Saudi Arabia, effective immediately, bringing more than 23 years of experience with the pharmaceutical company to the role.
Besri will lead Pfizer Saudi Arabia and work with healthcare stakeholders across the Kingdom to strengthen access to innovation, build partnerships and support the country’s healthcare transformation and Saudi Vision 2030, the company said.
Besri most recently served as Vice President, Emerging Markets Commercial Access and Accord Lead, where he led access strategies and partnerships, including Pfizer’s Accord for a Healthier World across 45 countries. Before that, he was North Africa Cluster Lead and Morocco Country Manager, working with governments, healthcare authorities and partners on national healthcare priorities and access to medicines and vaccines.
His Pfizer career began in 2003 and has included roles across marketing, rare diseases, market access and regional leadership in Africa and the Middle East. He spent seven years at Pfizer’s regional office in Dubai before moving to Morocco in 2018, where he led the company’s local operations and North Africa cluster.
“I’m honoured to take on the role of Country President for Pfizer Saudi Arabia,” Besri said.
“After more than 23 years with Pfizer, I’m grateful for the many colleagues, teams and partners who have shaped my journey and from whom I have learned so much along the way.”
He said he looked forward to working with Pfizer’s Saudi team and stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem, while thanking Dr Mohamed Fawzy for his leadership and the foundation built by his team.
“There is tremendous momentum in healthcare transformation across the Kingdom,” Besri said. “I’m excited about the opportunity to build on this progress, bring the best of Pfizer’s science and innovation, and develop meaningful partnerships that can help broaden access and contribute to the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030.”
“Above all, I look forward to what we can achieve together for patients.”
Besri succeeds Dr Mohamed Fawzy, who has led Pfizer Saudi Arabia in the previous period. Fawzy welcomed the appointment, describing Besri as a “true partner and a great friend” and saying he was confident in him taking over the role.