Pfizer CEO, Albert Bourla, receives top Greek honour for his work developing COVID vaccine

·

Pfizer CEO, Albert Bourla, received Greece’s highest civilian honour on Tuesday for his efforts in developing a COVID-19 vaccine that has saved millions of lives in Greece and internationally.

Bourla was awarded the medal of the Golden Cross of the Order of the Redeemer by Greek President, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, at a ceremony at the presidential mansion in Athens.

The Order of the Redeemer is the most important Greek Order and is awarded to Greek citizens who have distinguished themselves in defending the interests of their country or have provided exceptional social services in Greece or abroad. 

READ MORE: Pfizer’s Greek CEO, Albert Bourla, wins $1 million Genesis Prize for vaccine development.

Albert Bourla was among other Greeks awarded by Sakellaropoulou.

As she handed Bourla his honour, Sakellaropoulou hailed his actions during the COVID-19 pandemic and said he “gave humanity the space to face the pandemic.”

“His path is the chronicle of the victory of science in the field of health, for the benefit of the common good,” Sakellaropoulou said in her address about the Thessaloniki-born CEO.

“Hailing from a family of Holocaust survivors, he was able to realise his vision and apply scientific innovations that led to the discovery of the [COVID-19] vaccine, allowing the whole world to believe that the impossible was possible.”

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla attends a ceremony in the northern city of Thessaloniki, Greece, October 12, 2021. Photo: AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos, file.

READ MORE: Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla discusses journey to deliver COVID vaccine and investing in Greek youth.

Bourla responded that this distinction was “the most important” he has ever received as “it comes from the homeland and the Greek State.”

“I am very lucky to find myself in this position and be able to help,” he said.

Bourla has always shown a keen interest in Greece having already opened, among other things, two Pfizer research centres in Thessaloniki.

READ MORE: Pfizer CEO, Albert Bourla, says fourth COVID-19 vaccine will be needed.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From Metallica to Maritime: The many lives of Greek shipping tycoon Harry Vafias

Though Greek shipping tycoon, Harry Vafias, spends much time working, it certainly isn't a case of 'all work and no play.’

‘I want them to know their word matters’: Peter Georgiou stands against gender violence

Peter Georgiou, a real estate agent from Rushcutters Bay and father of four-year-old twins Leila and Lola, believes change begins at home.

Thessaloniki’s Byzantine walls to shine with new light project

Thessaloniki’s iconic Byzantine Walls are set to be illuminated under a major cultural initiative announced by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

Greek World Heritage Cities face rising climate threats

Iconic Greek cities—Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Rhodes, and Patmos—face serious climate threats, according to a new UNESCO-backed report.

Are apps like Duolingo enough to learn Greek, or do we need a tutor?

For many people who want to learn conversational Greek, an app, can be a very useful addition to your program.

You May Also Like

New Director of Acropolis Museum, Professor Nikolaos Stampolidis, becomes a LEGO figure

Professor Nikolaos Stampolidis, the new Director General of the Acropolis Museum in Athens, Greece, has been immortalised in LEGO.

I failed Greek as a kid, can I learn Greek as an adult?

 In general, adults and children, especially young children, learn languages differently, because they are cognitively different.

I try to use Greek, but they always reply in English…

People often say that children will lose their heritage language when one of the parents is from ‘outside’ the community, but it’s not so simple.