Pharmafile Logo

Lucid Group Appoints Former Pfizer R&D Leader Rod MacKenzie, CMG, PhD, as Board Chair to Drive Next Phase of Global Growth and Innovation

March 18, 2026 |  

Appointment marks a pivotal step in Lucid’s next phase of growth, strengthening its ability to translate complex science into real-world impact.

Lucid’s US Medical Affairs division unveils new proprietary insights tools to expand advisory capabilities.

LONDON & PHILADELPHIA, March 18, 2026 Lucid Group, a global leader in healthcare communications and commercialisation, today announced that Rod MacKenzie, CMG, PhD, former Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer at Pfizer, has been appointed as the new Chair of the Lucid Group Board of Directors. Dr MacKenzie will succeed Andy Black, who retired from the Board following the end of his term.

- PMLiVEThis appointment reflects a shared mission with Lucid Group to transform lives by ensuring innovative medicine doesn’t stop at approval but reaches the patients who need it most. His leadership marks a pivotal step in Lucid’s next phase of growth, strengthening its ability to translate complex science into real-world impact.

“Dr MacKenzie’s career is defined by his dedication to patient outcomes and a deep understanding that breakthrough science only matters when translated into action,” said Rick Sannem, CEO of Lucid Group. “His arrival supports our shared vision that we don’t just help clients talk about their science, we uncover the defining insights that shape behaviour so life-changing medicines find their rightful place in the market.”

Dr MacKenzie spent 34 years at Pfizer, where he led the Global Product Development division and oversaw 6,000 professionals dedicated to advancing innovative medicines and vaccines. He played a critical role in the development of both the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and antiviral, Paxlovid, in addition to serving on Pfizer’s Executive Leadership Team from 2016 to 2022. In recognition of his contributions to public health during the pandemic, he was appointed Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George by Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.​

“Inventing and developing innovative medicines takes great science and execution. But translating that science into improved patient outcomes in clinical practice requires real strategic discipline,” said Dr MacKenzie. “Even brilliant science can struggle to break through, so innovative companies need a strategic partner like Lucid, whose integrated approach to solving complex challenges delivers changes in behaviours that successfully overcome treatment barriers. Lucid’s cre

ativity and unique data synthesis capabilities really stand out in the marketplace. I am thrilled to join the Lucid Board and share Lucid’s deep commitment to transforming lives across the globe.”

In addition to Dr MacKenzie’s appointment, Lucid’s US Medical Affairs division is unveiling new proprietary insights tools to expand its advisory capabilities at the Medical Affairs Professional Society (MAPS) conference in Denver from 22-25 March:

  • Influence Amplifier™ – Closes the gap between communication and behaviour change by combining real-time behavioural insights, precision targeting, and adaptive analytics to expand peer-to-peer communication relevance and audience priorities.
  • Impact Validator™ – Pinpoints precisely where efforts drive change through a​ five-step framework spanning clinical gaps and audience priorities, tailored interventions, omnichannel engagement, performance data, and adaptive refinement.

Together, these tools magnify and document scientific impact while delivering Precision Engagement™, a repeatable, self‑optimising cycle that continuously strengthens ​scientific influence, impact, and patient outcomes over time​.

To demonstrate how Lucid Medical is enabling Medical Affairs teams to be strategic catalysts for change, it is offering free, 30-minute Impact Calibration™ sessions designed to map Medical Affairs teams’ current influence and spotlight opportunities for measurable growth.

About Lucid Group

Lucid Group, a global leader in healthcare communications and commercialisation, is driven by a mission to transform lives by bridging the gap between scientific discovery and patient impact. For life sciences organisations navigating their highest-stakes decisions, Lucid doesn’t just communicate science but ensures clients leave a lasting impact on the market and the patients they serve. Lucid brings together experts across Strategy Consulting, Scientific and Medical Communications, and Commercial Communications, fusing scientific rigour, strategic foresight, commercial ingenuity, creative storytelling, and deep human insight into an integrated force, powered by real-world evidence. This unique approach allows Lucid to uncover the ‘Lucid Truth’— the deep-seated insight that governs stakeholder behaviour and anchors bold, behaviour-changing ideas, executed at key moments and accelerated by AI and technology. To learn more about Lucid Group, visit www.wearelucidgroup.com and LinkedIn.

Media Contacts:

Chris Dougherty
CDougherty@reboundb2b.com

Elyse Cole
media@wearelucidgroup.com

This content was provided by Lucid Group Communications Limited

Company Details

 Latest Content from  Lucid Group Communications Limited 

Lucid Group bolsters its client services and medical writing team in APAC

HealthCare21, a Lucid Group company, has appointed two new team members in its Singapore office — Siew Wyn and Megan Giliam.Wyn joins the team as a Senior Account Manager and...

Lucid Group kick starts its 2020 Futures Academy

It’s a new year and the start of a new career for the six graduates starting on Lucid’s Futures Academy this week.This is Lucid’s fourth intake of graduates since the...

It’s been altogether more magic for Lucid Group in 2019

As Lucid closes its doors to 2019, there's a lot to be proud of.2019 has been a landmark year for the Group as they embarked on ambitious growth plans which...

Middlesex House hosts its first Lucid Spirit pub quiz

Dec 6, 2019Middlesex House hosted its first Lucid Spirit fundraising activity for its charity partner the Wycombe Homeless Connection. The turnout was excellent, and everyone’s synapses were on fire. However,...

Lucid Group announces the appointment of a new Legal and Compliance manager

Lucid Group demonstrates continual investment in its infrastructure by appointing Sebastian Goodwin as its new Legal and Compliance manager.Sebastian studied politics and trained to be a lawyer before moving into...

Lucid Group Experience the Magic of Mindfulness, Meditation and Massage

This time of year can be busier than normal. Lucid Group understand the importance of taking some time out to relax and unwind. That's why yesterday, relaxation, meditation and mindfulness...

The first of many celebrations for Lucid Group at Middlesex House

Lucid Group celebrated the opening of its new offices in Fitzrovia, London on Thursday evening. The workspace in Middlesex House is incredible, allowing employees to take advantage of well-designed creative,...

Lucid Group welcomes three new graduates ahead of the 2020 Futures Academy

Three new graduates have joined the Lucid Group family ahead of the launch of the 2020 Futures Academy in January.Having completed a Natural Sciences degree from Lancaster University, Tom Harrison...

Restoring Equilibrium at Lucid Group

It’s National Stress Awareness Day, which is a great opportunity to take a moment to think about our wellbeing. This time of year is often busier than normal. At Lucid,...

Lucid Group celebrates a fang-tastic Halloween

Last week the Lucid charity working group, Lucid SPIRIT, organised a fang-tastic Halloween Bingo evening to raise money for its charity partner, Wycombe Homeless Connection (WHC).Lucidians went to town with...