Biden appoints former pharma lobbyist Ricchetti as White House counselor

In a move signaling that the Biden administration will not banish individuals with close ties to the pharmaceutical industry from its inner circle, President-elect Joe Biden Tuesday announced that Steve Ricchetti will serve as counselor to the president. The position will give Ricchetti, a longtime Biden adviser who is opposed by progressive factions in the Democratic Party, a powerful voice on policy issues, including healthcare.

Ricchetti played a leading role in Biden’s presidential campaign. He served as counselor to Vice President Biden in 2013-17. ...