The former head of communications for Vodafone’s UK operation is to join the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) as director of communications.
She replaces Catherine Meaden who herself only took up the role in June last year.
Thompson spent five years as corporate communications director at telecoms firm Vodafone UK from 2004 to 2009, before moving to its parent Vodafone Group to become director of consumer, brand and enterprise media relations.
She was also previously director of corporate communications for the European operations of food manufacturing company Kellogg’s having started her career on the agency side for companies including Burson-Marsteller and Weber Shandwick.
Although the bulk of her career has been spent focused on consumer goods Thompson has gained experience in life sciences experience as interim communications director at Innovate UK (formerly the Technology Strategy Board) this past year
In her new role at the ABPI she will be responsible for the organisation’s engagement with all external stakeholders, including government, NHS, media, patient groups and the wider healthcare community.
Thompson said: “The health of the UK’s population touches all of our lives in one way or another. With the opportunities and challenges ahead, this is an exciting time to join the ABPI to represent and champion an industry that is central to the future shape of healthcare.”