Words by Jade Williams
The ABPI has named Laura McMullin, General Manager, Daiichi Sankyo UK, as its new Vice President. McMullin will partner with Russell Abberley, President, ABPI and General Manager, Amgen UK & Ireland, to help shape and implement the organisation’s strategic priorities in its mission to improve the UK’s life sciences standing.
In her role at Daiichi Sankyo, McMullin leads the UK business in delivering innovative treatments in cardiovascular disease and oncology, with a strong focus on supporting NHS patient care. Her appointment to the ABPI comes at a critical juncture as the UK seeks to enhance its global competitiveness in life sciences post-pandemic and post-Brexit.
“It’s a privilege to take on this role at such a pivotal time for our industry”, commented McMullin in a press release. “Representing a Japanese company with a long-standing commitment to the UK, I am keen to focus on improving the sector environment and patient access to our medicines.”
McMullin’s career began at AstraZeneca on the graduate scheme, before going on to spend 18 years at Bristol Myers Squibb where she held senior leadership roles across multiple therapeutic areas. The ABPI hopes that her long-standing interest in health system efficiency will contribute to the association’s mission to foster sustainable innovation and strengthen the UK’s life sciences ecosystem.
Also commenting in the release, Abberley noted that “Laura is a powerful advocate for improving outcomes for patients, and I know she shares my ambition to make the UK the best place in the world to research, develop and access the medicines and vaccines of the future.”
