Catherine Meaden joins the ABPI as head of policy and public affairs

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has appointed Catherine Meaden as its head of policy and public affairs.

She joins the UK pharma industry body from NHS Direct, where she spent three years as associate director of marketing and communications.

Prior to this she held communications roles at the NHS Confederation and Cancer Research UK.

In new role Meaden will lead the ABPI's communications to parliamentarians and other senior stakeholders around the pharmaceutical industry's contribution to the UK economy and healthcare.

She said: “This is an exciting time to be joining the new ABPI team, and to be tackling some of the major issues facing not only our members, but government, the NHS and patients.

“I look forward to working closely with parliamentarians, stakeholders and patient research groups to ensure that this industry continues to be recognised for the value it brings to the economy and, most importantly, health outcomes in the UK.”


Meaden will join the ABPI in April 2012, when she will report to its director of corporate affairs Amanda Callaghan.



“We are delighted to have Catherine on board,” Callaghan said. “Her appointment completes our new communications team, and reflects our commitment to represent our members' interests successfully, particularly in the complex environment we face today.”