MA announces outstanding appointments to Advisory Council
Medicines Australia is delighted to announce appointments to our new Advisory Council – including the former Chief Scientist of Australia.
The future focused Advisory Council under the leadership of its Chair, Dr Anna Lavelle (recently appointed Independent Director of Medicines Australia) will provide the Board with strategic advice on trends and issues impacting the Industry in the medium to long term.
Milton Catelin, Chief Executive of Medicines Australia said the formation of the Advisory Council will help set the future strategic priorities for Medicines Australia and the innovative medicines and vaccines industry more broadly.
“We had over 72 applicants to join our Council,” said Mr Catelin, “There were some incredible candidates from within industry and externally, with complementary expertise.”
“I’m thrilled to announce that Professor Ian Chubb AC has accepted a position on the Council.
“He brings to the Council a wealth of experience within academia and a deep understanding and appreciation of our industry – including that of Chief Scientist of Australia.
“His commitment to knowledge and furthering scientific research is unparalleled and his drive to ensure this industry has a healthy future by encouraging the STEM industries in Australia is well known,” said Mr Catelin.
Joining Professor Chubb is another respected Australian thought leader.
Dr Jeff Harmer AO, has occupied a range of executive leadership positions across a number of Commonwealth Departments, playing a pivotal role in numerous significant reforms made under the Howard, Rudd and Gillard governments.
“Jeff’s experience within the APS has given him a deep understanding of the machinery and motivations of government and the challenges that arise from portfolio and election changes.
Dr Harmer is deeply aware of the challenges faced by an ageing population and has participated in other advisory groups which have had health reform at their core,” he said.
Also on the Advisory Council as an independent member is a person that many within the pharmaceutical industry will be familiar with – Ms Catherine McGovern.
Ms McGovern has worked in policy as a Ministerial Advisor for the Australian Government, and government relations and policy roles for GSK in Australia and the UK, and finally as the General Manager of Government and Public Affairs at Medibank Private.
“Her extensive experience will bring to the Advisory Council an international industry perspective and knowledge of global pharmaceutical trends,” said Mr Catelin.
Adding another dimension to the Advisory Council is Mark McCrindle.
Mark is a social researcher with an international following. He is recognised as a leader in tracking emerging issues.
“Mark’s understanding of key social trends and future directions will be a critical element to the forward looking nature of this Council,” said Mr Catelin.
Joining this distinguished group is patient advocate Ms Carol Bennett.
Ms Bennett has been chief executive of some of Australia’s leading health organisations including the Consumers Health Forum of Australia, the Australian Rural and Remote Workforce Agencies Group and the Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association and is currently the CEO of Snowy Hydro SouthCare.
“Ms Bennett’s commitment to improving the health outcomes for Australians is unparalleled,” said Mr Catelin.
Also participating in the Medicines Australia Advisory Council are four industry representatives from diverse roles within the innovative pharmaceutical sector.
David Grainger, Global Public Policy Director at Eli Lilly, Andrew Carter, Managing Director at Commercial Eyes, David Herd the Director Healthcare Environment at GSK and Nicola Richards, Director of Commercial Operations at MSD will bring their extensive knowledge and experience to the team.
“To have such a wealth of industry experience on our Advisory Council is testament to the extraordinary talent of this remarkable industry,” said Mr Catelin.
“This outstanding collective are all big picture thinkers. They form part of a team that pools together a diverse range of experiences, from difference facets of our industry and the broader community, and we can’t wait to see what they come back with.”
Applicants for the Advisory Council were assessed by a panel.
ENDS
Contact:
Natalie Wimmer
Phone: (02) 6122 8500
Email: Natalie.Wimmer@medicinesaustralia.com.au
About Medicines Australia
Medicines Australia Ltd. (MA) is the peak body representing the innovative medicines and vaccines industry in Australia and is based in Canberra.
MA is committed to delivering a longer and healthier life for all Australians through availability and choice of world leading innovative medicines. Its members are companies that invent, manufacture, export and supply innovative medicines and vaccines to the Australian community.
MA’s mission is to drive the creation and development of a predictable environment for the continued sustainable growth of the research based prescription medicines industry to enable Australians to lead longer healthier lives.
MA strives to deliver smart and effective solutions to empower and improve the position of member companies and the communities they serve.
The establishment of the Advisory Council
The Advisory Council is being established to support the Board’s role in shaping strategy and maintaining appropriate continuity of direction. The future focussed Advisory Council will provide the Board with advice on trends and issues impacting the Industry in the medium to long term (3 to 10 years).
It will also provide a strategic and more diverse perspective of the environment with a view to positively shaping the future of the Industry. The Council will be chaired by the Deputy Chair of the Board of Directors.