Jonathan Emms Takes up Appointment as ABPI President

Jonathan Emms, UK Managing Director of Pfizer, has taken up his appointment as President of the ABPI, after his election to the post at the end of last year. Jonathan takes over from Deepak Khanna, Regional President, Europe Oncology, MSD UK and will serve for one year with the option of standing for re-election for a further year.  

Looking ahead to his Presidency, Jonathan Emms said: "It is a great privilege to take on the role of Presidency from Deepak and I want to thank him for his leadership over the past two years."Right now, our industry is facing many challenges. High barriers to getting innovative medicines to patients and low and slow usage across the NHS means we risk falling behind our European neighbours. As President, I want to tackle the challenges head on and work together – industry, Government and NHS – to make change happen.

"Above all else, and a priority for my Presidency, is to ensure that we remain focused on patients – who stand at the heart of everything we do. I want to ensure that patients get the innovative medicines they need, when they need them, so they can enjoy the best possible health."

Commenting on Jonathan's appointment, Stephen Whitehead, CEO of the ABPI, said: "I am very much looking forward to working with Jonathan. This is a significant time for a new President as we enter a new pricing era, and I have no doubt that Jonathan will provide strong leadership to the ABPI and the industry as a whole."

"We have some challenging yet exciting areas to tackle in the coming year, as we look to improve patients' access to the medicines they are entitled to, continue to strengthen our relationships with the NHS and improve our industry's reputation. I am confident that under Jonathan's leadership the ABPI will continue to go from strength to strength and exceed our members' expectations."

Deepak Khanna, ABPI past President, said: "I have worked with Jonathan for the past two years and think very highly of him and I am extremely grateful for all his support. Jonathan has been very active on the Board, was a key member of the negotiating team, and I am very confident he will serve the ABPI very well. I hand over my presidency with great optimism and excitement for the future, confident that industry will continue to flourish with a very strong industry association in place."