Pfizer Inc. named oncology research head Chris Boshoff as the drug company’s chief scientific officer, replacing Mikael Dolsten, whose planned departure was announced earlier this year.

Pfizer said on Wednesday it has named company veteran Chris Boshoff, who led the drugmaker's cancer research and marketing for more than a year, as its chief of research and development. The appointment comes at a time when Pfizer is facing pressure from activist investor Starboard,

The drug company had been searching for a new chief scientific officer since July with Mikael Dolsten leaving after 15 years at the company.

Pfizer, despite pressure from investors to look outside, elevates its cancer chief Chris Boshoff to lead overall R&D.

Pfizer has named company veteran Chris Boshoff, who led the drugmaker's cancer research and marketing for more than a year, as its R&D chief, WSJ reported on Wednesday.