Pfizer UK marketing director quits for consultancy job after 28 years

Pfizer UK marketing director for consumer healthcare David O’Sullivan has left after spending 28 years with the pharmaceutical company.

O’Sullivan, who was responsible for all over-the-counter (OTC) products, including Sudafed and Calpol, has left Pfizer to become a consultant. The company has yet to announce a replacement for O’Sullivan, who reported to UK consumer healthcare general manager Andy Rush.

O’Sullivan joined the company when it was called the Warner-Lambert Consumer Healthcare, a wholly owned subsidiary of US-based Pfizer. Warner-Lambert and Pfizer merged in June 2000.

Viagra, one of Pfizer’s brands, is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK. But the Medicine Control Agency, the regulatory body of the pharmaceutical companies, wants to move medicines for erectile dysfunction from the POM to OTC category of pharmacy product (MW February 7). If the Government accepts its proposal, Pfizer would be allowed to advertise Viagra in the UK consumer press.

Viagra is understood to be in talks with footballer Pelé about a global advertising campaign.

In the UK, Pfizer uses J Walter Thompson for its Calpol, Listerine and Listermint mouthwash. Bates handles the advertising for Benadryl, Benylin Cold & Flu and Sudafed. MindShare and Zenith Media handle media. The healthcare company spends £13.6m on advertising in the UK.