Medicines Australia announces new Board Directors

30 October 2024: Medicines Australia welcomes five new Directors to its Board and the re-appointment of another Director for a second term.

Tori Brown (Lilly), Kathryn Evans (BioMarin), David Pearce (Takeda), Owen Smith (BMS) and Nirelle Tolstoshev (Astellas) have been voted in by members to fill vacant positions following the resignations of Dirk Otto (Boehringer Ingelheim), Liz’e Marett (Astellas), Prashant Nikam (MSD) and Urs Voegeli (J&J). Patrick Desbiens (GSK) chose to not recontest his position at the conclusion of his three-year term.

Adam Roach (Beigene) was successful in his bid to continue on the Board for a second term.

Medicines Australia Chair, Dr Anna Lavelle AM, welcomed the new Directors and said their depth of experience will be invaluable over the next three years.

“On behalf of the membership and the Board, I congratulate the successful Directors and welcome their expertise and leadership at this critical time for our industry and for patients in Australia,” Dr Lavelle said.

“The combination of experienced Board Directors and some new Directors will ensure some stability and will provide fresh insights.

“The last year has been one of progress, unwavering unity of purpose and it’s through our collective commitment to advancing healthcare and access to world-class medicines, biotherapeutics and vaccines for all Australians, that we have a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Review.

“There is now real momentum for modernising Australia’s HTA system and the impetus for change has never been stronger.

“I thank my fellow Board Directors who have served this year for their dedication and industry leadership, and wish every success to those Directors who have served and moved on during the year.”

CEO of Medicines Australia, Liz de Somer, also welcomed the new Directors.

“I am looking forward to working with the Board as we implement HTA reforms, complete actions in the Strategic Agreement, and ensure Australia’s competitiveness as a preferred destination for clinical trials remains,” Ms de Somer said.

“These are our collective priorities and require a laser-like focus from the Board, all members and Medicines Australia.”

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Media enquiries to Kate McKeown, Senior Manager Communications and Media – kate.mckeown@medicinesaustralia.com.au or 0408 775 288.