Yves Verboven appointed executive director of European Health Technology Institute

The European Health Technology Institute for Socio-Economic Research (EHTI) has appointed Yves Verboven as executive director.

Verboven joins the research institute from Novartis' specialist eyecare unit Alcon, where he served as assistant director of health economics outcomes research.

Since the beginning of 2012, he has also been consultant for Eucomed, the trade body for the European medical devices industry.

The EHTI is composed of representatives from Eucomed, the London School of Economics in England, the Università Bocconi in Italy and policy makers.

Its aim is to develop data and evidence on the social and economic value of medical technology and its impact on the economy and welfare of European countries.

In a blog post for Eucomed, Verboven said he was “very pleased” to head the institute, and praised the value of its work.

“The data coming out of this research will allow industry, policy makers and payers to make informed decisions which take into account this socio-economic facet,” he said.

Verboven also hinted at his designs for the year, including plans to work with other institutes, universities, interest groups, European research, and public and private payers.

In pursuit of this a new online 'portal' will also be created on EHTI's website to encourage dialogue and exchange of information between all stakeholders in medical devices.

Verboven replaces Rosanna Tarricone, who will remain involved in the institute's scientific activities as its scientific director.