Viatris Inc. has appointed Matthew J. Maletta as its new Chief Legal Officer (CLO), effective February 9, 2026. This decision comes as the company prepares for the transition of Brian Roman, who has dedicated over 20 years to the organization and its predecessor, Mylan. Roman will continue to serve in an advisory role until April 1, 2026, ensuring a seamless handover.
Maletta brings nearly 30 years of legal expertise to Viatris, having held senior positions in both branded and generic pharmaceutical firms. Most recently, he was the Executive Vice President, CLO, and Corporate Secretary at Endo, where he played a pivotal role in the company’s merger with Mallinckrodt. Additionally, he oversaw the spin-off of Par Health during his tenure there.
Prior to his time at Endo, Maletta spent over a decade at Allergan, where he ascended to Vice President, Associate General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary. His notable accomplishments at Allergan include leading the legal team during the $70 billion sale of the company to Actavis. His extensive background in business development and legal strategy is expected to be invaluable in his new role at Viatris.
Viatris CEO Scott A. Smith expressed gratitude towards Roman for his dedicated service, stating, “His legal expertise played an important role in helping to build the company we are today. We wish him nothing but the best.” Smith also welcomed Maletta, commenting on the strength of the internal legal and compliance teams, and expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with Maletta as Viatris continues its transformation and aims for long-term growth.
In his statement, Maletta conveyed excitement about joining Viatris at this pivotal moment. “This is a unique opportunity to join Viatris at an exciting time in its journey,” he remarked. “I am honored to join the company and be part of an extraordinary team that makes a real difference each and every day.”
Roman reflected on his tenure, stating, “I have had so many tremendous experiences during my more than 20 years at Mylan and Viatris. I am proud of all that we have accomplished together across the multiple functions I have had the opportunity to lead during my time here.” He emphasized the importance of the internal legal and compliance teams and expressed his commitment to ensuring continuity during the transition.
Viatris, headquartered in Pittsburgh, is a global healthcare company that aims to bridge the gap between generic and branded medications. With a mission to enhance access to quality medicines worldwide, the company serves approximately 1 billion patients annually, addressing various healthcare needs across different life stages.
The leadership change comes at a crucial time for Viatris as it seeks to navigate the complexities of the pharmaceutical landscape while continuing to provide essential medications to patients globally.
