Dr. Giovanni Caforio, M.D.

Giovanni Caforio, M.D., is Chairman of the Board and chief executive officer of Bristol-Myers Squibb. Under Caforio’s leadership, BMS is delivering innovative medicines to treat patients with cancer, auto-immune diseases and cardiovascular disease, and is advancing one of the most diverse and promising pipelines in the industry. Caforio leads a diverse global workforce dedicated to the company’s mission of discovering, developing and delivering innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases.

Caforio was appointed CEO in 2015 and elected as Chairman of the Board of Directors in 2017.  As part of Bristol Myers Squibb’s strategy to combine the agility of a biotech with the reach and scale of an established pharma company, Caforio led the company’s acquisition of Celgene in 2019. Today the company is a leading biopharma company focused on transforming patients’ lives through science. He has developed a strong patient-focused culture, with teams who are passionate about the work they do to help address some of the most challenging diseases of our time.  He has led BMS’ drive to promote an inclusive culture where employees are encouraged to challenge the status quo and bring forward solutions. 

Caforio is an active champion for a policy environment that values healthcare innovation and supports patient access to medicines. Reflecting his advocacy, in 2015 he joined the Board of Directors for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, known as PhRMA, and in 2019 was named Chairman.

Prior to becoming CEO, Caforio served as chief operating officer with responsibility for leading a fully integrated worldwide commercial organization and the companywide functions of Enterprise Services and Global Manufacturing & Supply. This was preceded by appointment as the company’s chief commercial officer.  

Born and educated in Italy, Caforio received his medical doctorate from the University of Rome. He started his career with Abbott Laboratories before joining Bristol-Myers Squibb in 2000 as vice president and general manager, Italy, in the Worldwide Medicines Group. Caforio advanced through a series of regional European management positions and, in 2004, became senior vice president, European Marketing and Brand Commercialization. In 2007, he relocated to the U.S. as senior vice president, U.S. Oncology. He was named senior vice president, Global Commercialization, Oncology and Immunology in 2010, then became president of the company’s U.S. organization in 2011.