Andrew Witty appointed president of EFPIA

The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) has appointed Andrew Witty, CEO of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), as its new president. Witty will succeed outgoing president, Arthur Higgins, CEO of Bayer Healthcare.

 Andrew Witty
 

Commenting on his appointment, Witty said: "I am pleased to have the opportunity to represent our industry in Europe at this challenging time, when the policy considerations of healthcare have probably never been more pertinent. I thank Arthur Higgins for the focus he brought to the role of president, and the solid base it provides. As a result of his efforts, we are well prepared for future engagement and cooperation with the new Commission, European Parliament, Member States, patients and other stakeholders."

Witty, who has been vice-president of the EFPIA since 2008, went on to say: "Europe needs a 21st century approach to healthcare; one that provides access to optimal and equitable quality of care in a manner that is sustainable. We need policies that make this a reality, as well as policies that recognise innovation, equipping us to develop new medicines and therapies that citizens seek."

Higgins is also relinquishing his post at Bayer, for personal reasons. He is expected to be replaced by Marijn Dekkers, formerly of Thermo Fisher Scientific.