Interview With Schering-Plough CEO Fred Hassan
Fred Hassan assumed leadership of Schering-Plough in 2003 to revive a company hampered by legal, regulatory and financial difficulties. Schering was faced with a five-year FDA consent decree and the decline of its marquee prescription Claritin franchise. Hassan brought with him a reputation for successfully turning around struggling firms. He served as CEO of Pharmacia before selling the company to Pfizer in 2002. Prior to joining Pharmacia, Hassan served as executive VP-pharmaceuticals & medical products at Wyeth. Hassan discussed a number of issues facing Schering in 2005 with "The Tan Sheet" on Feb. 8.