EMA’s head of international affairs steps down

The European Medicines Agency's (EMA) Emer Cooke has resigned as head of international affairs, to be replaced ad interim by Agnès Saint-Raymond.

Cooke first joined the EMA in 2002 and has since occupied a number of senior posts including head or international and European cooperation, and head of inspections.

She has served as head of international affairs since 2013, and is leaving the agency to pursue a new role at the World Health Organization (WHO).

From mid-November, Cooke will take up the head of regulation of medicines and other health technologies position in the WHO's essential medicines and health products department, based in Geneva, Switzerland.

Guido Rasi, executive director of the EMA, said: “In her role as head of international affairs, Emer has made a significant contribution to the global recognition of the EU network activities.

“We shall be sorry to lose Emer's insight and expertise, but are confident that she will continue to further develop the close collaboration between EMA and WHO.

“It has been a privilege to work with Emer and we wish her every success in her new role.”