KALAMAZOO, Mich. (May 28, 2009)—Pfizer Animal Genetics has made two significant additions to its research and development and technical service teams with the hiring of Sue DeNise, Ph.D. and Kent Andersen, Ph.D. The addition of these two highly respected experts exemplifies an ongoing effort by Pfizer Animal Genetics to build a world-renowned staff of genomics experts to advance DNA-marker technology and its application

Rich background in genomics research and application
Dr. Sue DeNise will join Pfizer Animal Genetics as Director, U.S. Lab Operations and Product Development. In this role she will be responsible for developing the new Kalamazoo facility and staff operations into a world-class operation employing current and novel DNA analysis platforms. She will also lead the company’s accelerating product development program for North America.

“Dr. DeNise will apply her experience in commercial high-throughput genetic analysis to optimize the laboratory operations and customer service processes at our new laboratory facilities in Kalamazoo, Mich.,” says Dr. Gerard Davis, Senior Director and Global Head of Product Development and Laboratory Operations. “At the same time Sue will apply her nearly 30 years of high-level research to leadership of our research initiatives throughout North America.”

Dr. DeNise joins Pfizer Animal Genetics after spending the last seven years as Vice President of Genomics Research at MMI Genomics. In this position she was responsible for designing and directing research and development initiatives in multiple animal species. Dr. DeNise also spent 18 years as a professor in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Arizona.

A known beef industry leader
Dr. Andersen joins the technical services team as Associate Director, Technical Services—North America. In his new position Dr. Andersen is responsible for the ongoing education of key industry opinion leaders and producers on the application of current and future genetic marker technology, and for the support of North American sales and marketing teams.

Prior to joining Pfizer Animal Genetics, Dr. Andersen served as Executive Vice President of the North American Limousin Foundation (NALF) for nine years. Prior to that, he served a nine-year term as Director of Education and Research with NALF.

“Dr. Andersen has had a long and exemplary career as a well-respected communicator and educator within the beef industry,” says Dr. Ronnie Green, Senior Director and Global Head of Technical Services for Pfizer Animal Genetics. “His addition to our technical services team enhances our abilities to help customers understand the opportunities available with DNA-marker technology and, more specifically, how to apply GeneSTAR® MVP™ results to their own operations.”

Dr. Andersen has been active in various industry organizations, including the Beef Improvement Federation, National Pedigreed Livestock Council and the National Beef Cattle Evaluation Consortium. He has authored or co-authored more than 200 educational articles, co-hosted a series of educational Webcasts sponsored by NALF, and presented at over 250 educational meetings for commercial and seedstock producers.

“We’ve made a commitment to building a team of experts to identify and develop new DNA-marker technologies at an unprecedented pace. Equally important is our commitment to assisting producers in the application of those technologies in their own breeding and management programs,” says Nigel Evans, Ph.D., Vice President Pfizer Animal Genetics. “Drs. Andersen and DeNise are highly respected individuals in the field of animal genetics and genomics, and will strengthen our team enormously. They will play pivotal roles in delivering the technology, services and knowledge needed by our customers to make the most-informed business decisions.”

Pfizer Animal Genetics is a business unit of Pfizer Animal Health, a world leader in discovering and developing innovative animal vaccines and prescription medicines. Pfizer Inc is the world’s largest research-based pharmaceutical company.

Back To Release Archives