Trade body the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has appointed Lisa Potter as its new head of media.
Current head of communications and insight at NHS Direct, Potter will take up her new role on September 30, 2013, reporting to ABPI director of communications Catherine Meaden.
Potter will advise the senior leadership team on medical issues, and will, said the organisation, “play a pivotal role in developing and enhancing the profile of the pharmaceutical industry and the benefits it brings to the UK”.
“This is a significant time for the pharmaceutical industry”, said Potter, adding that one of her priorities will be to develop a media campaign designed to create excitement about the industry’s plans.
“I would also like to encourage mainstream conversations about the sector amongst patients, much like we see in the NHS,” she said.
Also new to the ABPI is media relations officer Sean Palmer. He was previously a communications officer at the Central and Northwest London NHS Foundation Trust. He will report to Potter, as will two communications staff.