The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has named James Christie as its first project director with responsibility for manufacturing.
Christie’s primary focus will head the implementation of work under the Medicines Manufacturing Industry Partnership (MMIP) as approved recently by the Ministerial Industry Strategy Group.
ABPI and the BioIndustry Association (BIA) established the MMIP in September this year to create a suitable environment for medicines manufacturing.
Commenting on his appointment, Christie said: “I am delighted to join the ABPI at what is a really exciting time considering the recent establishment of the MMIP. I am looking forward to leading an ambitious joint work programme on manufacturing technology, innovation, skills and regulation.”
Prior to joining ABPI, Christie worked for Oxford BioMedica as head of manufacturing and supply chain for over three years. He has also held senior management positions as GSK, Celltech Group and Centocor BV.
ABPI chief executive Stephen Whitehead said: “I believe that James will enable the MMIP to work towards creating an attractive and innovation-driven environment to ensure UK competitiveness in medicines manufacturing. This new role is an investment which will enable us to boost our leadership capability in this area.”