Pfizer CEO Jeff Kindler Recipient of the 2008 Light on the Hill Award

By Eve Delaney

Tufts University recently welcomed Pfizer CEO Jeffrey Kindler (Tufts Alumni, class of 1977) back on campus to present him with this year's "Light on the Hill Award"; the highest honor awarded to members of Tufts alumni.

Tufts Student body President , Neil Dibiase, introduced Mr. Kindler, who spoke with humor about his memories at Tufts and how the University (and the world) has changed since his time as a Jumbo. Offering encouraging words of advice for today's Tufts students, Kindler affirmed that the relationships he formed here are some of the most lasting and rewarding of his life. Here, Kindler referred to his wife (Tufts Alumna, class of 1978), and a few close friends who light-heartedly heckled Kindler from the first row.

Former classmate and Entrepreneurial Leadership Program director Pamela Goldberg interviewed Kindler in front of a packed Coolidge Room audience. As Kindler compared his generation to that of his daughter's (a current Tufts undergrad), he used irony to underscore his feelings on the war in Iraq, stating, "Once Vietnam ended we were sure our government would never make a mistake like that one again." Kindler spoke more frankly about healthcare in the United States, concluding: "this is the first time in America that parents are leaving their children's generation worse off than they were." But Kindler confidently views this crisis as an opportunity, and is cooperating with 2008 Presidential hopefuls to address the matter. He states, "The health insurance situation is so bad that we will be forced to do something about it."

During the Q&A session, Kindler fielded remarks ranging from chastising the pharmaceuticals industry for the money spent on marketing, to questions about the challenges inherent as Pfizer's CEO. Kindler clarified that pharmaceutical "samples" (drugs given free to hospitals and pharmacies) are counted as a marketing expense, and while they promote Pfizer brands, they also enable access to medicines for patients who can't otherwise afford them.

Acknowledging the career-minded seniors in the room, Kindler advised future graduates to be open to unexpected opportunities. He emphasized the importance gaining expertise in something (be it, law, finance, marketing, etc.) in order to "get into the room" where decisions are made. Once there, he says to "be opportunistic". Kindler cited his own experience with McDonalds as an example. Working as a lawyer, he recognized that the flailing Boston Market chain could still add value to McDonalds, and in pursuing this opportunity he gained the business expertise necessary to transition to Pfizer as CEO. Kindler jokes about this career transition, stating that he spent his early career raising people's cholesterol, and now sells Lipitor as a way to atone. Professor Goldberg commented, " We are so fortunate to have an alum like Jeff Kindler, who is so bright and so ethical leading one of the major pharmaceutical companies."

Concluding the Q&A session, Kindler remarked "I'm so impressed with the caliber of students at Tufts today."