EFPIA has appointed Joe Jimenez, CEO of Novartis, as its new president. He will work alongside Dr. Stefan Oschmann, CEO Pharma of Merck, and Marc de Garidel, chairman and CEO of Ipsen, who have been appointed as vice presidents by the board.

Jimenez previously was EFPIA vice-president. He already was EFPIA’s president-elect at the time of former EFPIA president Chris Viehbacher’s resignation on Oct. 29 and due to take over leadership of EFPIA in June 2015.

In anticipation of the upcoming renewal of mandates, the board has agreed to extend Joe Jimenez’s appointment until June 2017. This is to be ratified during the EFPIA General Assembly in June 2015.

Launched in 2014, EFPIA’s Health & Growth strategy outlines its vision for an innovative collaborative approach toward a stronger, healthier E.U., around three pillars: health outcomes, sustainable financing and a thriving ecosystem. As Europe emerges from the crisis, there is an opportunity to re-orient the way European health systems operate, moving from a focus on transactions to a paradigm centered on health outcomes for patients.

Jimenez said, "My vision is for a prosperous Europe in which all stakeholders are aligned toward improving and rewarding positive patient outcomes. I believe this is the right thing to do for patients, and for the sustainability of our health systems. Importantly, it also will drive sustained R&D investment and jobs in Europe.”