David E.I. Pyott, CBE, MD (Hon.) CStJ
Professional Director, Private Investor & Philanthropist
Former Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Allergan Inc. 1998-2015
During his 17 year tenure, Allergan Inc. was transformed from a small eye care business with about $1 billion in sales to a global specialty pharmaceutical and medical device company, with sales over $7 billion in 2014. Mr. Pyott was recognized by Harvard Business Review as one of “The 100 Best Performing CEOs in the World” in 2014 (ranked #4).
Allergan had been the fastest growing global ophthalmic company for many years and was globally #1 or #2 multiple specialty areas: ophthalmics, medical aesthetics, medical dermatology, neurology, and urologics. The company’s strategy was based on customer focus, investment in R&D, creation of new markets and commercial prioritization of high growth products. As an innovator with a strong background in consumer marketing, Dr. Pyott recognized the potential of BOTOX® to be used for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes. Allergan’s investment in Research & Development increased from less than $100 million in 1998 to over $1 billion in 2014, with the company creating an industry-leading Research & Development pipeline.
In 2006, Dr. Pyott was bestowed with the honor of Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) by Her Majesty the Queen in acknowledgement of his contribution to British business excellence and management skills in the United States. In 2010, he received an honorary degree, the University of California, Irvine Medal, the Moacyr Gold Medal for services to Brazilian ophthalmology, and in 2013 the Semper Fidelis Award from the US Marine Corps. In 2016, he was awarded an Honorary Degree in Medicine by the University of Edinburgh. In 2018 he was appointed as Hospitaller of the Order of St. John that provides eyecare to Palestinians in the Holy Land and was promoted by King Charles in 2023 to Commander of the Order.
Before Allergan, Dr. Pyott served as the Head of the Novartis Nutrition Division and as a member of the Executive Committee of the Switzerland-based Novartis AG, having worked 17 years in Switzerland, Austria, Spain, Malaysia and the United States.
Dr. Pyott holds a Diploma in International and European Law from the Europa Institute at the University of Amsterdam, a Master of Arts degree from the University of Edinburgh and a Master of Business Administration degree from the London Business School.
Dr.Pyott serves and has served on the Board of several public and private corporations in the United States and Europe. He is a Chairman of the Board of Governors of the London Business School, a Trustee and a member of the Executive Committee of the California Institute of Technology, Vice President and co founder of the Ophthalmology Foundation In addition, he is a member of the Board of the Pan American Ophthalmological Foundation.