Medicines Australia appoints new Board Directors – Anne Harris, Pfizer and Shannon Sullivan, Amgen

Pharma News: Medicines Australia announced the appointment of Anne Harris, Managing Director, Pfizer Australia and New Zealand and Shannon Sullivan, Vice President & Managing Director, Amgen Australia and New Zealand to the Medicines Australia Board.

Medicines Australia Chair, Dr Anna Lavelle, welcomed Ms Harris and Ms Sullivan to the Board. “This is a pivotal time for industry and requires significant strength and determination to set a clear path through the recovery of the pandemic and firmly into the future. We have outstanding knowledge and capabilities within our leadership team and now introducing the considerable leadership expertise and strategic insights from Anne and Shannon will strengthen us even further.”

Medicines Australia CEO, Ms Elizabeth de Somer, added “2021 will likely be another year of significant shifts and disruptions in our community and economy. Having such expertise on our team will place us in the firmest possible position to ensure we maximise the transformation of the innovative medicines underway ensuring Australians who need them receive them in a timely manner.”

Anne Harris, Managing Director of Pfizer Australia & New Zealand, said “I am humbled to be elected to the Medicines Australia Board and to be granted the important responsibility of contributing to the future direction of our industry. I would like to acknowledge all the candidates in the Board election for their dedication to continually improve patient access to breakthrough medicines and vaccines.

“It is an honour to be joining the Board at this critical time, with our industry leading the recovery of the COVID-19 pandemic which is so important for the health of the population and the economy. I am committed to the enduring strength of our medicines industry, and to help the Board deliver on its broader goals of reforming health policy to improve medicines and vaccine access for all Australians.

“I am especially determined to advance outstanding policy issues and shape longer term health policy outcomes through the Strategic Agreement negotiations, and the National Medicines Policy Review, to ensure that regulatory and reimbursement policies are fit for purpose to cope with the next generation of medicines. I will also continue to advocate for a medicines industry that is diverse and inclusive where everyone has an opportunity to thrive,” she concluded.

Anne Harris brings over 25 years of industry experience across strategic and operational commercial roles in Europe, Canada, and Emerging Markets. Her breadth of international experience will provide clear insight into a wide range of models for access to medicines and vaccines.

Shannon Sullivan, Vice President & Managing Director of Amgen Australia and New Zealand, said “I am thrilled to be appointed to the Medicines Australia Board and would like to thank my peers for their support and belief in my commitment to contribute to the important work of our industry. I look forward to representing Amgen and our industry and to working hard to deliver change that will improve the lives of Australian patients.

“Reinforcing our contribution in critical priority areas including the Continuity of Care Collaboration is something that must remain a priority. I will actively support and ensure we have a broad and constructive contribution to the patient community together with a broader group of stakeholders,” she added.

Shannon Sullivan was appointed Vice President & Managing Director, Amgen Australia and New Zealand in July 2020. Ms Sullivan is an accomplished healthcare executive with over 20 years of leadership experience in sales, marketing, market access, healthcare compliance, and commercial operations.

These two new Board appointments replaced positions previously held by Bruce Goodwin, Janssen and Melissa McGregor now in an international role with Pfizer. Bruce Goodwin will be continuing as a Selected Director on the Medicines Australia Board following today’s annual general meeting.

Chair, Dr Anna Lavelle formally thanked both Bruce Goodwin and Melissa McGregor for their significant contributions to the Medicines Australia Board and the industry.

“Both Bruce and Melissa have been very active contributors to Medicines Australia and our vision for industry. Their commitment and determination have been outstanding. We are of course thrilled to have Bruce returning in his new capacity. We also thank Melissa for her incredible involvement and wish her great success in her new international role.”