Pfizer selects marketing director

Pfizer consumer healthcare has appointed Carlton Lawson as its UK marketing director.

Lawson, who most recently held the position of director global category management for allergy, replaces David O’Sullivan. Sullivan left the company to be a consultant after spending 28 years with the pharmaceutical company (MW April 4).

Lawson will be responsible for the strategic development and marketing of brands such as Calpol, Benylin, Listerine, Sudafed and Benadryl. He will report to the company’s UK general manager, Andy Rush.

Carlton was responsible for the launch of Benadryl five years ago and also for the European launch of antihistamine brand, Reactine, earlier this year.

In the UK, Pfizer uses J Walter Thompson for its Calpol, Listerine and Listermint brands. Bates handles advertising for Benadryl and Sudafed. Media planning and buying is split between MindShare and Zenith Media.

Pfizer is understood to have put its gum and cough drop business, Adams, up for sale and Cadbury Schweppes is rumoured to be bidding for it. Trident, Chiclets, Halls, Certs and Clorets all fall under the Adams umbrella.

Also potentially up for grabs is Pfizer’s Schick shaving division, which includes the Wilkinson Sword brand.