The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has named Mike Thompson as its new chief executive, who will replace Alison Clough on 1 March.
John Kearney, president of the ABPI, said: “I am looking forward to working with Mike and am convinced that his deep knowledge of our industry, his passion for what we do and his strategic capabilities will be huge assets for the ABPI as we look to build on the progress we have made in recent years.”
Thompson joins the association from GlaxoSmithKline where he was most recently senior vice president of global commercial strategy and platforms, responsible for leading teams of experts in analytics, market research, multichannel communications and payers.
Over the course of his 20 years there, Thompson also held several senior sales and marketing positions in the UK operating company and served as commercial strategy head for Europe.
Thompson said: “The pharmaceutical industry has an outstanding task record of delivering real innovation to both the NHS and to patients … yet current trends show real challenges in sustaining these benefits across the UK today.
“So while enormously proud to take up this leadership role, I also take it up with a real commitment to work with all stakeholders to reverse these trends and ensure that everyone can access the multifaceted benefits which accrue through the impact of this critical, research-based, innovative industry.”