Albert Bourla is a Greek-American veterinarian and serves as the CEO of Pfizer, a multinational pharmaceutical company. He has held senior roles in companies such as Catalyst, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, and the Partnership for New York City. As of 2023, Albert Bourla has a net worth of $36 million. His total compensation for 2022 was a cool $33 million!
Early Life
Bourla was born on October 21, 1961 in Thessaloniki, Greece. His Sephardi Jewish parents were among the 2,000 Jews in Thessaloniki who survived the Holocaust.
In 1985, he graduated from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki with a doctorate in reproductive biotechnology. At 34 years old, Albert left Greece to grow his career. Since then, his family have lived in four countries and seven cities.
Career
Albert began his career with Pfizer in 1993 as a veterinarian and technical director for the firm’s animal health division in his home country. After moving, he held a variety of management positions at Zoetis and other divisions in the company.
From 2005 to 2009, he was the regional head for Animal Health in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Next, he was in charge of the Asia Pacific, Europe, and Africa division.
Then, he was chairman and general manager of the Established Products Business Unit for three years. Bourla oversaw Pfizer’s development of cancer and heart medications from 2014 to 2016 and became COO in 2018.
Becoming CEO of Pfizer
In October 2018, he became the CEO of Pfizer and six months later was awarded the “Preeminent Greek Leader” Award for his achievements in the pharmaceutical industry.
He was appointed to the position of executive chairman in January 2020. In the same year, with the spread of the virus, he encouraged Pfizer employees to work quickly on a vaccine in collaboration with BioNTech.
Net Worth and Salary
By playing two major roles at Pfizer in the midst of the pandemic, Albert Bourla’s total compensation was $17.9 million for 2019, $21.03 million in 2020, $24.3 million in 2021. According to SeekingAlpha.com, he earned $33 million in 2022. This type of salary is inline with CEO’s at major pharmaceutical companies.
His base salary is relatively low and receives the majority of his pay through equity which is why the Greek is worth $36 million! Bourla must be doing something right as the Institutional Investor named him as America’s top CEO in the pharmaceutical sector of 2020.
Other Ventures
Bourla has worked on the Biotechnology Innovation Organization’s Health Section Governing Board, the world’s largest biotechnology trade group. Bourla is on the Catalyst board of directors, a worldwide nonprofit organization.
After this, he promoted the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America and the Partnership for New York City. He also became a member of the Business Roundtable and The Business Council.
Personal Life
Bourla lives in Scarsdale, New York, with his wife Myriam and two children. They have one son and one daughter. They also have a property in Halkidiki, Greece and vacation there every summer.
In November 2021, rumors floated around that Albert’s partner died from taking a vaccine. However, this was later debunked by the spokesperson of Pfizer, saying that Bourla’s beloved wife is alive and well.
