New ABPI director of communications announced
pharmafile | June 17, 2013 | Appointment | Medical Communications, Research and Development, Sales and Marketing | ABPI, Meadden, Whitehead
The ABPI has appointed its head of Policy and Public Affairs Catherine Meaden to be the organisation’s new director of Communications.
Meaden will lead the comms department and be responsible for the ABPI’s engagement with government, NHS, media, patient groups and wider the healthcare community.
Reporting directly to ABPI chief executive Stephen Whitehead, she will advise the senior leadership team and Board of management on all its communications issues.
Meaden joined the ABPI in April last year as head of Policy and Public Affairs. Prior to working at the ABPI she headed up Marketing and Communications at NHS Direct – the telephone and online health advice service.
During her time at NHS Direct she led their communications response to the swine flu pandemic. She has also worked in public affairs and campaigning roles at Cancer Research UK and the NHS Confederation.
Audrey Yvernault has been appointed to replace Catherine as head of Policy and Public Affairs. She takes over this role having previously been head of CEO and President External Affairs at the ABPI. Prior to this she was head of Public Affairs at outsourcing company VT Group, and External Affairs Adviser at AstraZeneca.
Stephen Whitehead, chief executive of the ABPI said: “I am delighted by the appointment of Catherine as our new director of Communications – her performance as our head of Policy and Public Affairs was first rate and this appointment is thoroughly deserved. I look forward to working with Catherine as we continue to build a world class communications and advocacy function at the ABPI that speaks with a unified voice for the research based pharmaceutical industry.”
Meaden added: “To be appointed to this role, as the UK pharmaceutical industry faces so many challenges, is hugely exciting. I will be communicating to our partners and stakeholders the continuing problems our companies face in getting their medicines to patients whilst highlighting the huge contribution industry makes to the UK.”
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