Sector leader departs as Medicines Australia Chair
31 October 2024: Dr Anna Lavelle AM FTSE has announced her departure as Chair of Medicines Australia, having been Chair since 2018 and an independent Director since 2017. She has been the driver of Medicines Australia’s governance improvements and strategic positioning with the Federal Government throughout that tenure.
“Medicines Australia placed great faith in me as independent Chair and I have worked hard to deliver on their expectations,” Dr Lavelle said.
“Balancing the needs of a competitive industry with the policy goals of government brings many challenges. Medicines Australia has worked hard to place itself in a very strong position to negotiate with all parts of government and key stakeholders, including patient advocates. I am very proud to have contributed to our reputational, strategic and operational achievements.”
Dr Lavelle was well placed to fulfil the role of Medicines Australia Chair as her background spans scientific research, academia, health service provision, policy change and executive management. Her last executive role was as CEO of AusBiotech for 11 years, rounded off a curriculum vitae that cemented her reputation as a strong and visionary advocate.
For her career contributions Dr Lavelle has been recognised by Nature Scientific America, World Vision as the only Australian to be in the top 100 global biotechnology visionaries (2015), was made a Fellow of the Academy of Science Technology and Engineering in 2014 and received the Industry Leader award from Johnson and Johnson and AusBiotech in 2018 and the Women in Leadership award in 2019 from BioMelbourne Network. Dr Lavelle was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women as a trailblazer in 2022. In 2023 Dr Lavelle was appointed to the Order of Australia receiving an AM in the King’s Birthday Honours.
Dr Lavelle said: “It has been both challenging and rewarding to lead Medicines Australia during a period of change and in a complex environment, including during the COVID pandemic when the community learned so much about the value of pharmaceuticals to their health and life. The pharmaceutical sector responded vigorously to that challenge by supplying vaccines that saved lives.”
“It has been an honour to work with Directors, the Medicines Australia Executive in particular the CEO, Liz de Somer and member companies. We hold a united goal to improve the speed and choice of medicines for patients as well as better recognise the value of innovation created by companies.”
Medicines Australia CEO Liz de Somer said Dr Lavelle has made an outstanding contribution to the industry.
“Dr Lavelle has been a fearless leader throughout her career, combining extensive understanding of Australia’s medicines and biotechnology policies plus a deep understanding of medical research,” Ms de Somer said.
“Her unwavering commitment to improving patient outcomes and quality of life is resolute. Medicines Australia was extremely fortunate to have Dr Lavelle as Chair and on behalf of the pharmaceutical industry we congratulate her for her impactful contribution to the sector.”
“On a personal note, Anna has been an incredible support and mentor to me on taking the role of CEO, and I look forward to continuing my friendship with her,” Ms de Somer said.
Dr Lavelle advised the Board of Medicines Australia that she would complete her tenure in Q1 2025 and looks forward to providing assistance for the induction of the incoming Chair in the new year.
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Media enquiries to Kate McKeown, Senior Manager Communications and Media – kate.mckeown@medicinesaustralia.com.au or 0408 775 288.