New Chief Executive for Medicines Australia

The Board of Medicines Australia today announced its appointment of Dr Brendan Shaw as the organisation’s new Chief Executive.

“After a thorough process the Board and I are delighted to appoint Dr Shaw to this important position within the discovery-based pharmaceutical industry in Australia,” the Chairman of Medicines Australia, Will Delaat said today.

“He brings a wealth of experience to navigate an ever-changing bio-pharmaceutical industry landscape and a challenging health and industry policy environment.”

“Over the last six years he has earned the respect not only of the Board and member companies but also Medicines Australia’s staff and its key external stakeholders.”

“Brendan’s track record is impressive. He was instrumental in guiding the industry through reforms to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee processes and the Therapeutic Goods Administration. He has driven Medicines Australia’s research program, developed Joint Medicines Policy Conferences with the Australian Government, and Medicines Australia’s contribution to the international debate on health technology assessment.”

“Our industry brings innovative new medicines to the Australian public. We look forward to working with the new Chief Executive to ensure a viable operating environment which promotes R&D investment and boosts exports of vaccines, pharmaceuticals and their related services.”

For the past six years Dr Shaw led the Health Policy and Research function at Medicines Australia, representing the industry on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Pricing Authority, the Access to Medicines Working Group, and for two years was the industry member of the Economic Sub-Committee of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee. He has been Acting Chief Executive for the past three months.

Prior to taking up his appointment with Medicines Australia in January 2004, Dr Shaw was adviser to the then Shadow Minister for Innovation, Industry and Trade, Dr Craig Emerson MP. Dr Shaw has previously worked in academia, consulting and the Australian Government in the areas of economic development, innovation, industry analysis and public policy. He has an honours degree in economics from the University of Queensland and a PhD in management from Monash University.

–ENDS–

Contact Person:

Donna Edman
Executive Director, Public Affairs
Phone: 0419 850 174
Email: Donna.Edman@medicinesaustralia.com.au