Bristol Myers Squibb names Pennell SVP, worldwide head of medical affairs, hematology and oncology

Bristol Myers Squibb said Aug. 18 it appointed Dr. Nathan Pennell as senior vice president, worldwide head of medical affairs, hematology & oncology.

Pennell, a board-certified medical oncologist with nearly 25 years of experience, will lead the BMS oncology medical affairs program, overseeing scientific strategy and execution, competitive intelligence, medically informed regulatory insights, and medical input for business development.  

Before joining Bristol Myers Squibb, Pennell served as head of thoracic oncology and clinical research at the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center.

He is recognized as a leading expert in oncology, known for his expertise in thoracic cancers and a strong track record of advancing clinical trials with novel therapies.

“I’ve seen firsthand the life-changing impact that innovative therapies can have on people living with cancer,” said Pennell. “I’m thrilled to lead an exceptional global team dedicated to advancing the science behind the next generation of hematology-oncology treatments—always with a laser focus on keeping the patient at the center of everything we do.”

Dr. Tania Small, senior vice president, head of global medical affairs at BMS, said: “Dr. Pennell’s appointment marks another defining moment in BMS’s growth and leadership in oncology. His expertise, credibility, and unwavering commitment to patients embody the standard we’re setting across science, strategy, and impact.”