Robert Neimeth, a Pfizer Executive with over 34 years of service, passed away on November 2018. We are pleased to remember his contributions to Pfizer and his involvement in professional and civic activities.
Mr. Neimeth was born in May 1935 in Brooklyn, New York and graduated from Cornell University in 1957 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology. Prior to joining Pfizer, he served with the U.S. government abroad, worked briefly in the Financial Community in New York, and with an international manufacturer of food processing equipment.
Mr. Neimeth joined Pfizer International in 1962 as a management trainee in the company’s New York headquarters, subsequently serving as Country Manager, Nigeria and then Vice President, Pharmaceutical Development in Asia. From 1972 to 1977 he was President, Pfizer Asia, residing in Hong Kong, before returning to the company’s headquarters in 1977 as Vice President of Pfizer Pharmaceuticals and Director of Operations for the Pfizer Labs division in the U.S.
In 1980, Mr. Neimeth was appointed President, Pfizer Europe, and moved to Brussels, Belgium. In 1983 he was appointed Vice President of Pfizer, and in 1984 he again returned to the U.S., this time as Executive Vice President of Pfizer subsidiaries. In this role he was responsible for the pharmaceutical business in Africa and the Middle East in addition to his responsibilities in Europe.
In 1990, Mr. Neimeth was named President, Pfizer International subsidiaries. In 1992, he was elected Executive Vice President of Pfizer, and President, International Pharmaceuticals Group, responsible for the company’s international pharmaceutical business as well as the worldwide Animal Health Group. Commencing in 1995, he took on added responsibility for the worldwide Hospital Products Group.
Upon his retirement in 1997, Mr. Neimeth was named Chairman Emeritus. In this role he provided consulting support to Pfizer and the pharmaceutical industry. He served as Chairman Emeritus until his passing in November 2018.
His post-retirement contributions to the industry and his community were equally as impressive his career with Pfizer.
Mr. Neimeth served as a committee member, director or board member for a number of business, U.S. government, international and charitable organizations. The list includes the Federal Competitiveness Policy Council, the Federal Organization for Technology Assessment, the United Nations Association of the USA, the Council for International and Strategic Studies, the Business Council for International Understanding, and the Japan Society.
He was also active with the Asia Society, the U.S.-Egypt Presidents’ Council, the U.S.-India Business Council, the OECD Business and Industry Advisory Council, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers Association in the U.S., the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Associations, the United Way, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Co Operation Ireland.
Mr. Neimeth is survived by his wife, Loek Cornelia Neimeth, and his two sons.
