Pfizer on Monday named the former head of the U.S. health regulator's drug evaluation unit, Patrizia Cavazzoni, as its chief medical officer, bringing back an industry veteran to lead its regulatory and drug safety operations.

Patrizia Cavazzoni, formerly the top regulator of the drug division of the FDA, will join Pfizer as chief medical officer.

The former head of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) drug division is joining Pfizer as its chief medical officer, the company announced Monday.  Patrizia Cavazzoni was formerly director of