(1 December 2014 – Brussels): EFPIA, the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations, is pleased to announce today that Andrew Powrie-Smith will be joining the association as its new Communications Director. Andy will step into his new role on 1 January 2015.

Andy joins EFPIA from ABPI, the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, where he serves as the Director of ABPI Scotland and Director of ABPI’s Trust and Reputation work. He is a former Director of the British Lung Foundation Scotland and Northern Ireland where he played a key role in the campaign for clinical standards on COPD, the development of British Lung Foundation Nurses in Scotland and the growth of patient support groups. Previously, Andrew worked in the UK and abroad for the British Red Cross, Amnesty International and Scope.  

Speaking about the appointment, Richard Bergström, Director General EFPIA, said: “I am delighted to welcome Andy as EFPIA’s new Communications Director. Andy has led ABPI's work on Trust and Reputation, and he has been very active in EFPIA groups on the same topic. We look forward to working with him to further enhance industry’s role as a trusted partner in the healthcare sector.”

Speaking about his new role, Andy commented: "I am delighted to be joining the team at EFPIA. Our industry faces some unprecedented challenges across a range of issues, but I am passionate about the story we have to tell and the difference we make to the lives of patients and their families, right across Europe.”

EFPIA looks forward to welcoming Andy to the team in January. 

Download the press release here.