European Medicines Agency elects Christa Wirthumer-Hoche as new chair of management board

pharmafile | March 21, 2016 | Appointment | Medical Communications, Research and Development |  Christa Wirthumer-Hoche, EMA, European Medicines Agency, chair, chairperson, wirthumer-hoche 

Christa Wirthumer-Hoche has been elected chair of the management board of the European Medicine’s Agency. She has served as vice chair of the board since March 2015 and also has roles as head of the Austrian Medicines and Medical Devices Agency and is co-chair of the EU Network Training Centre.

She will replace Sir Kent Woods, who stood down in December 2015.

Dr Wirthumer-Hoche comments: “It is a great honour to be appointed as chair of the EMA’s Management Board. As chair, my ambition is to ensure a strong partnership between EMA, the European Union national competent authorities and the European Commission to guarantee that EMA is able to fulfil its important role of safeguarding human and animal health in Europe.”

EMA’s executive director, Guido Rasi, adds: “I am delighted to welcome Dr Wirthumer-Hoche as the new chair of the Agency’s Management Board. As vice-chair of the board, she has already demonstrated many times that she has the vision and leadership ability required for this important role. I look forward to our close collaboration.”

The Management Board sets the Agency’s budget, approves the annual work programme and is responsible for ensuring that the Agency works effectively and co-operates successfully with partner organisations across the EU and beyond.

Sean Murray