The Medicines Australia board has used its two-day meeting to reappoint former AusBiotech CEO Dr Anna Lavelle as its independent chair.
Dr Lavelle has been the independent chair since August 2018 and initially joined the board in January 2017.
Her term was initially extended until the end of February 2020 following the recent board election. Dr Lavelle has now been appointed for three years.
The appointment was confirmed at the end of a two-day meeting for the association's board that included a review of its strategic plan.
Janssen managing director Bruce Goodwin, who leads the board's performance, remuneration and governance committee, said, “We are delighted that Anna has agreed to continue as the Chair of Medicines Australia. Anna had brought deep knowledge of the innovative pharmaceutical and medtech sectors, as well as significant Governance experience from several Board and Chairing roles. She has proven herself to be strongly effective in working with the Board and Executive of Medicines Australia. With strong support from the Board and the Executive, we look forward to Anna’s continued strong leadership and focus on the interests of patients and the industry.”
CEO Liz de Somer also welcomed confirmation of Dr Lavelle's reappointment.
“Anna is a great role model and I have found her advice and leadership invaluable. I am looking forward to continuing the work we have started together, to ensure Medicines Australia is a strong, patient focussed, industry advocate,” she said.
“This appointment is an honour and working closely with the CEO is a great pleasure. Together with Board Directors and the Medicines Australia team, I look forward to prosecuting issues significant to the industry and Australian patients,” said Dr Lavelle.
The board will now consider the role of deputy chair, which has been held by Pfizer managing director Melissa McGregor.