Boehringer’s animal health business fuels shift in international leadership

Christoph Tautphäus, currently Head of Animal Health ANZ at Boehringer Ingelheim, has been promoted to Finance and Administration Director for the Regional Operating Unit Mid-Sized European Countries (ROPU MIDI), based in Amsterdam, effective 1 October 2025.

His successor is Amanda McAvoy, who is currently Global Business Manager and Interim Head of Global Strategic Account Management – Pets at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health’s global office.

In his new position Tautphäus will oversee both Human Pharma and Animal Health operations across eleven European markets, including Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal, Norway and Sweden.

He led Boehringer’ Animal Health business in ANZ since May 2023, and has spent nine years with the Australian organisation. He first joined to lead the Asia Pacific integration of Merial, before taking on the role of Director of Finance for the ANZ business. He and his wife have three sons, and while Australia became home for the family, they will return to Europe to be closer to their extended family.

McAvoy steps in as the first female leader to head up the ANZ Animal Health business after more than 25 years in animal health across Boehringer, Merck (MSD) and Merial. Prior to her current role, she led the US Equine business, one of the company’s most commercially significant markets. She will relocate to Sydney with her husband, while their two adult children remain in the United States for work and study.

Reflecting on his time, Tautphäus said “I’m proud of what we’ve achieved in ANZ – it’s been a privilege to work with such passionate teams and partners. During my time in Australia I have got the chance to work across both sides of the business, taking on new challenges that have helped shape me into the leader I am today. I am excited to take these skills to my new role in Europe, which will bring it’s own challenges overseeing markets of critical importance for Boehringer.

“On a personal note, I have loved the opportunity to live in Australia which is truly one of the most remarkable places in the world. It’s been home for my family, and making the move back to Europe was one of the hardest decisions we have made – but we will welcome being closer to family.”

Ed Hollywood, General Manager of Boehringer Ingelheim ANZ, paid tribute to Tautphäus contribution.

“Christoph is incredibly well regarded. Not only is he a strategic thinker, but he’s also a true gentleman and he will be missed. His experience during his tenure in the ANZ business positions him ideally to take on the responsibility of this new European finance role,” Hollywood commented.

“The appointment of Amanda into the role of Head of Animal Health represents the importance of the ANZ market to our global success. Australia is now the number two Boehringer market worldwide for pet health, and in New Zealand Boehringer was the fastest growing market last year,” he added. “Amanda brings a wealth of global experience and a strong track record in commercial strategy, marketing, and business development. She is well positioned to continue the strong trajectory Christoph and the Animal Health Leadership Committee have built.”

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