Bristol Myers Squibb said it is reorganizing its research and development structure, combining previously separate R&D functions under a single leader. Cristian Massacesi, currently Chief Medical Officer, will also serve as head of R&D starting next year, while Robert Plenge is set to depart the company by the end of the year and remain as an advisor through March 2027. The restructuring aims to align scientific discovery with development execution to speed portfolio decisions and pipeline progress, according to the company. BMS faces heightened scrutiny as major exclusivity losses loom for blockbuster assets and analysts have questioned pipeline risk. The leadership change also reflects how large pharma is responding to competitive pressures in immune-oncology and cardiovascular franchises, with closer coupling of discovery and clinical strategy.