EFPIA appoints Richard Bergström as DG

The European Federation of the Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) has announced Richard Bergström will succeed Brian Ager as director general from April 1. Bergström is currently director general of Swedish research-based pharmaceutical industry association LIF. 

A pharmacist by trade, Bergström has almost 20 years experience in the pharma industry. Before moving to LIF in 2002, he held senior positions in regulatory affairs for both Roche and Novartis in Switzerland before moving to LIF in 2002.

Bergström said: "It is a great honour for me to accept this role at EFPIA. The research-based pharmaceutical industry can make a major contribution in progressing some of Europe's most important objectives, including improved economic competitiveness, better healthcare for all citizens, and an ageing population that enjoys a high quality of life.

"In my professional life I have learnt to listen to governments and other stakeholders to make sure that my industry meets the expectations of society. I will bring this modus operandi to EFPIA and look forward to forging new partnerships to ensure that Europe's patients benefit from the valuable innovation provided by our medicines and vaccines. We must work with others in delivering sustainable, equitable healthcare for all," he added.

Bergström has been a member of the EFPIA Board for a number of years, and chairs its Trust Committee and Task Force on Health Technology Assessment. He is also a council member of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Associations (IFPMA). He has served on several Swedish government commissions and is currently vice chairman of the board of the Karolinska Institutet.

EFPIA's president and CEO of GlaxoSmithKline, Andrew Witty, said: "We are delighted that Richard will be EFPIA's new director general; his experience and approach are exactly what we need at this time. I am confident he will lead the continued transformation of EFPIA into a valued partner to all its stakeholders."