The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America has named former U.S. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor its next president and chief executive officer. He will take over on Nov. 9, succeeding Stephen J. Ubl, who has led the industry group since 2015.
Ubl will remain a strategic adviser to PhRMA through Jan. 15, 2027. The organization’s board announced the leadership change on Tuesday.
Cantor represented Virginia in the House from 2000 to 2014 and served as majority leader from 2011 to 2014. During his time in Congress, he worked on legislation addressing pediatric research, Medicare drug coverage and medical research funding, according to PhRMA.
Since leaving Congress, Cantor has been vice chairman and managing director at investment bank Moelis & Company. His work there has included advising on business strategy, mergers and acquisitions, public policy and international economic issues. He will continue to serve on Moelis’ board of directors after joining PhRMA.
Rob Davis, Merck’s chairman and chief executive and chair of PhRMA’s board, cited Cantor’s experience in government and business in announcing the appointment. Cantor said he plans to focus on patient access to medicines, the use of artificial intelligence in drug discovery and the biopharmaceutical workforce.
PhRMA represents pharmaceutical research and manufacturing companies in U.S. policy discussions. As president and CEO, Cantor will lead the organization as it engages with lawmakers and other policymakers on issues affecting drug development and access.
Ubl’s advisory role will extend into January to support the transition. His departure will end a tenure of more than a decade at the head of the association.
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