The FDA named Richard Pazdur to lead the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), moving its long‑time oncology chief into the agency’s top drug regulator role. Pazdur’s appointment follows George Tidmarsh’s abrupt departure and comes amid agency morale and policy upheaval; industry and agency observers called Pazdur an experienced choice given his 26‑year tenure overseeing oncology approvals. Pazdur immediately addressed staff in an internal letter outlining priorities to restore confidence and bolster CDER operations. His track record in accelerating oncology approvals while emphasizing post‑market evidence will shape CDER’s near‑term approach during a period of regulatory and political scrutiny.