Eric Cantor Appointed President and CEO of PhRMA

Eric Cantor has been named the next president and chief executive officer of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). He will assume the role effective November 9, 2026, succeeding Stephen J. Ubl, who has led the organization since 2015. PhRMA announced the appointment via a press release on Tuesday.

Leadership transition and legacy

Stephen Ubl, who notified PhRMA’s board in April 2026 of his plans to step down at the end of that year, will continue to serve as a strategic advisor until January 15, 2027. The announcement follows that earlier statement about his planned departure. Jay Timmons, president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers, praised Ubl's tenure. Timmons valued Ubl's counsel and perspective, calling him an outstanding leader for PhRMA and a trusted partner to NAM and the broader business community. Manufacturers are grateful for Steve Ubl's leadership.

Cantor’s background and policy record

Cantor brings extensive federal experience to the role. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia’s 7th congressional district from 2000 to 2014, rising to House majority leader from 2011 to 2014. A former Republican Virginia Representative, he lost re-election in 2014 to Dave Brat by double digits. His legislative record is significant for the biopharmaceutical sector. Cantor laid the groundwork for the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act, which provided increased funding for the National Institutes of Health and included FDA reforms to speed medicine approvals. He also led the bipartisan enactment of the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act and was instrumental in building support for legislation that established Medicare Part D. Since departing Congress, Cantor has served as vice chairman and managing director at the investment bank Moelis & Company.

Industry and manufacturing context

PhRMA is a top lobbying group for the biopharmaceutical industry, whose member companies operate at the cutting edge of science and technology. The association is also a valued member of the NAM’s Council of Manufacturing Associations and is seen as an important partner in strengthening America’s manufacturing economy and innovation ecosystem. The manufacturing sector itself is a critical foundation for this partnership. It employs nearly 13 million men and women in the U.S. And contributes $3 trillion to the U.S. Economy annually. Also, manufacturing accounts for nearly 52% of private-sector research and development in the country. The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states.

Reaction and relationships

The appointment has been welcomed by key figures in the manufacturing policy arena. Jay Timmons, president and CEO of NAM and a longtime friend of Cantor, released a statement from Washington, D.C., congratulating him. "PhRMA has chosen an exceptional leader at a critical juncture," Timmons said. Their professional history includes working together on advancing trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia, and Panama. They also shared support for the Export-Import Bank and handled major tax and fiscal debates. Timmons previously worked in the governor’s office during the George Allen administration. Rob Davis, chairman and chief executive officer of Merck and chair of the PhRMA Board of Directors, was also involved in the leadership transition. Eric Cantor will assume the role of president and CEO of PhRMA effective November 9, 2026.