IFPMA names new communications director

IFPMA has appointed Helen Gallagher as  its new communications director, a role that will see her act as a key spokesperson for the global biopharmaceutical industry trade body in its interaction with stakeholders and the wider global health community.

She said: “I look forward to getting the message out there of the many contributions that the R&D-based biopharmaceutical industry had made, and will make, to improve public health and to enable government to meet ambitious goals such as universal health coverage, global health security and continued innovation in areas of high unmet health needs such as antimicrobial resistance.

“I look forward to working with the IFPMA team to help strengthen the industry voice, build bridges among diverse global health actors, champion solutions and demonstrate that we are an essential partner in resolving health problems globally.”

Prior to her new role at IFPMA, Gallagher headed the corporate communications position at Ferring Pharmaceuticals for 12 years and she was also responsible for its corporate social responsibility programme and led its CSR taskforce.

Her 20-year career in health and biopharmaceutical communications has seen her serve in numerous capacities for Manning Selvage & Lee, Cohn & Wolfe, The Rowland Company and Ciba Speciality Chemicals.

Thomas Cueni, director general, IFPMA, said: “Helen will be instrumental in articulating our value proposition, building partnership and alliances, and representing our industry in discussions with permanent missions to the United Nations, intergovernmental organisations and other non-governmental organisations, foundations and academic institutions.”