David Simmons

Biography

David Simmons joined PPD in June 2012 to serve as chairman and chief executive officer. In this role, he establishes and supports the strategic direction of PPD and leads its global workforce of more than 19,000 employees in the design, implementation and execution of drug development programs on behalf of its biopharmaceutical clients.  

Research Interest

Simmons served as regional president for Pfizer’s Eastern Europe pharmaceutical division; president of its pharmaceutical division in Greece; and vice president of marketing in Canada. In his early years at Pfizer, he held director-level roles in information technology. Simmons began his career as a software engineer in the steel industry, where he advanced his career to management positions before transitioning to pharmaceuticals.