United States-based pharmaceutical and biotechnology corporation Pfizer announced on Thursday that it has named Elif Aral as its new regional president for Middle East, Russia and Africa (MERA), effective September 2024.

In the new role, Aral is to spearhead operations in the region and bring scientific breakthroughs in vaccines, oncology, rare diseases, internal medicine, hospitals and inflammation and immunology. She will also drive strategic initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access and equity, working closely with regional partners and governments to ensure the company's leading portfolio and breakthroughs reach those who need them. This is in addition to managing all therapeutic areas within the MERA region.

Aral began her career with Pfizer in 1995 and most recently led the company's 'An Accord for a Healthier World' initiative. She has served as the CV Metabolic and Global Brands Lead in Internal Medicine and also as the Vaccines Lead for Emerging Markets.