Pfizer UK appoints new Managing Director

Monday 9th February, Walton Oaks: Erik Nordkamp has been appointed Managing Director and Head of Global Innovative Pharmaceutical business UK, taking over from Jonathan Emms who has been appointed as Global Marketing Lead for Pfizer's Global Established Pharmaceutical business.

Jonathan has successfully led Pfizer's UK business for three years, and in the past year has also served as ABPI President. In both roles, Jonathan has been at the forefront of discussions with Government, the NHS and NICE on improving access to innovative medicines for UK patients.

Jonathan said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed leading the Pfizer UK business and it's been a great privilege to serve as ABPI President this past year. I'm proud of what has been achieved in both roles and I'd like to see dialogue continue with Government in order to improve access and uptake of innovative medicines for UK patients, and achieve Government's aspiration of making the UK a leader in life sciences."

Erik Nordkamp joined Pfizer in 2010 and for the past year has led Pfizer Greece, Cyprus & Malta and the Global Innovative Pharmaceutical business. Prior to this, Erik worked for Pfizer in the UK as Head of Strategy for Primary Care Europe and Canada. Erik also served as President of PhRMA Innovation, a trade association, where he led the transformation of the forum, positioning it as the main representative body for the innovative pharmaceutical industry in Greece.

Commenting on his appointment, Erik said: "I am delighted to be returning to the UK, a key global hub for scientific innovation. However, with a National Health Service under strain, the UK is in a situation where patients are not always able to gain access to the most innovative medicines. Industry can play a vital role in finding solutions to these challenges, and I look forward to continuing conversations with Government, the NHS and NICE to ensure the value of our industry is recognised, and health is seen as a longer term investment rather than a short-term cost. Patients have a right to get the right medicines at the right time."

The ABPI announced today that it has appointed John Kearney, General Manager UK/Ireland for Amgen, to replace Jonathan, who will officially step down as ABPI President at the Annual General Meeting on 23 April.