MAPA announces leadership transition

The Medical Affairs Professionals of Australasia (MAPA) has announced leadership transition as it continues to build momentum in 2025.

Lauren Pasfield (AbbVie), current President of MAPA, will be taking extended leave to welcome her new child and, in doing so, will transition into the Past President role. Stepping into the position of Interim President is Jodi Tainton (Pfizer), who previously served as MAPA’s Vice President.

“I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to lead the MAPA team during my presidency and throughout my time on the MAPA Executive Committee,” said Pasfield.

“It has been incredible to witness the evolution of medical affairs during my tenure and to see how the team has elevated MAPA’s role in uniting the medical affairs community. I am confident that MAPA is in capable hands under Jodi’s leadership, and I look forward to seeing the continued success and innovation that will come from the current Executive Committee.”

Jodi Tainton brings extensive experience and a collaborative leadership style to the role, ensuring continuity and strategic alignment across MAPA’s key initiatives.

“I’m honoured and humbled to step into the leadership of MAPA and to have the opportunity to work alongside our passionate and talented members,” Tainton said. “One message we hear consistently is how valuable it is to connect with one another – and we’re excited to support that with several opportunities for meaningful engagement in the coming months.

“These moments will culminate in the MAPA/MAPS Summit on September 24–25, where we look forward to bringing our community together to share, learn, and shape the future of Medical Affairs.”

Supporting this transition, Debra Bourke (Mayne Pharma) will assume Vice President responsibilities, joining Jan Lewis (AbbVie) and Marina van der Merwe, who continue in their roles as Secretary and Treasurer, respectively.

MAPA Leadership from 1st June 2025

• Interim President: Jodi Tainton, Pfizer
• ExCo, supporting Vice President: Debra Bourke, Mayne Pharma
• Secretary: Jan Lewis, AbbVie
• Treasurer: Marina van der Merwe
• Past President: Lauren Pasfield, AbbVie

Executive Committee

• Krishan Thiru, Pfizer       
• Sinthuja Siva, Nanosonics
• Angelle Lockie, AbbVie
• Bas Ebaid, Dr Reddy’s

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