Allergan plc (NYSE: AGN), formally known as Actavis plc, is a pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures, markets and distributes generic, brand and over-the-counter products. Its four business segments are U.S. brands, U.S. medical aesthetics, international brands and Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) distribution. Allergan has a market capitalization of $57 billion as of April 2018.

Top Allergan direct shareholders in 2018 include the following individuals.

Paul Bisaro

Paul Bisaro was the executive chairman of Allergan and has held this position between July 2014 and October 2016. He served as Allergan’s chief executive officer (CEO) between September 2007 and July 2014. Bisaro was the top direct Allergan shareholder as of March 6, 2018, directly holding 235,957 shares with options and restricted stock units giving hime the right to acquire 60,616 more shares. Before joining Allergan, Bisaro was president and chief operating officer (COO) at Barr Pharmaceuticals Inc. from 1999 to 2007. Earlier in his career, he held various roles at law firm, Winston & Strawn and accounting firm, Arthur Andersen LLP. He is also an independent director of Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc. (NYSE: ZBH) and Forsyth Capital Mortgage Corp. His academic qualifications include a bachelor of general studies and Juris Doctor (JD) degree. 

Brenton Saunders

Brenton Saunders replaced Paul Bisaro as Allergan’s CEO in July 2014 and as chairman in October 2016. He is the company’s second-largest direct shareholder, with 119,222 shares as of March 6, 2018 and a right to acquire 345,944 more shares through options and restricted stock units. Before taking the top job at Allergan, Saunders was CEO and president of Forest Laboratories Inc. for 12 months. He has extensive experience in the health care and pharmaceuticals industries, having held senior leadership positions at Schering-Plough, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and Home Care Corporation of America. He began his career as a compliance officer with the Thomas Jefferson University Health System. Saunders holds a master of business administration (MBA) from Temple University School of Business. He additionally has a JD degree.

Robert Stewart

Robert Stewart serves as the company's executive vice-president and chief operating officer. He has been in his current role since May 2016, prior to which he headed the Allergan's generics and global operations business. With direct ownership of 49,017 shares as of March 6, 2018 and the right to acquire 15,422 through stock options, Stewart is the company's third-largest shareholder. He is a 20-year veteran in the global pharmaceuticals business with previous work experience with companies like Abbott Laboratories, Knoll Pharmaceuticals and Hoffman La-Roche Inc.