Pfizer Australia MD nominating for a position on Medicines Australia board at upcoming election

Pharma News: Anne Harris, Pfizer Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, will be nominating for a position on the Medicines Australia board at the upcoming election.

This news follows the recent announcement from Bruce Goodwin, Managing Director of Janssen Australia and New Zealand that he will be retiring in December 2020. Mr Goodwin has been a Director of the Medicines Australia Board from May 2009 until September 2012 and again from December 2016 to the present.

Pfizer Australia & New Zealand Managing Director Anne Harris said the MA Board election was an opportunity to reinforce key industry issues and ensure that they remain part of the Government’s reform agenda.

“COVID-19 and the ongoing impact of the pandemic has placed the industry and the healthcare needs of the country front and centre.

“This is a unique opportunity to work collaboratively with stakeholders to affect change and improve access to medicines that can change people’s lives.

“We must work with Government to progress outstanding policy issues, and to shape longer term health policy outcomes. We have some unique opportunities, such as the new Strategic Agreement negotiation, and the National Medicines Policy review, to adapt our regulatory and reimbursement processes to ensure they are efficient and streamlined to cope with the next generation of medicines”.

From a young age, and from working in her father’s GP clinic prior to university, Anne has understood the importance of science’s ability to directly impact the lives of patients, and their family, in the community.

As a local industry professional and an Australian consumer of our healthcare system, Anne is deeply committed to the enduring strength of the Australian medicines industry, and the opportunity to deliver on its broader goals from the Medicines Australia boardroom table.

To achieve this, she believes it is critical to listen to the views of industry leaders to gain a better understanding of their issues, and work collaboratively with fellow leaders towards a common goal to improve the health of more Australians.

A particular area of policy and thought leadership for Anne is in vaccines access for Australians, for which she is able draw on her recent significant experience leading Pfizer’s Vaccines Business Unit for Developed Asia.

Prior to that, Anne served in a wide range of strategic and operational commercial roles across 25+ years of experience in the industry, including in Europe, Canada, Japan, China and Emerging Markets, starting as a sales rep in Sydney.

The breadth of Anne’s international experience gives her a strong understanding and insight into a variety of models for access to innovative medicines and vaccines.

Anne is also proud to be a Steering Committee member of PAIG (Pharma Australian Inclusion Group) and will continue to advocate for inclusion and diversity and ensuring the medicines industry is one where everyone thrives.