Pfizer UK appoints Ben Osborn as the new Managing Director

Walton Oaks: Through a recent press release, Pfizer Ltd announced that Ben Osborn has been appointed Managing Director in the UK, taking over from Erik Nordkamp who has been appointed General Manager UK and Cluster Lead Europe within Pfizer’s Established Medicines business.

Erik has successfully led the UK Company for almost four years. During this time, he has also chaired the American Pharmaceutical Group (APG) and is serving as President of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI).

He has been an important voice in the ongoing dialogue with Government and the NHS about improving access to innovative medicines for UK patients, including contributing to the development of the Life Sciences Industrial Strategy, attending the APG Life Sciences Summit of global leaders and helping to secure agreement on the terms of the 2019 Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing and Access last month.

Erik said: “It has been a tremendous privilege to lead the UK Company and while it has undoubtedly been challenging, it has also been immensely rewarding. Pfizer is committed to partnering with the NHS to improve the delivery of healthcare and achieve the best health outcomes for people in the UK. We must all work together to create an innovation-ready health service by finding new ways to embrace next-generation ideas and technologies that can transform care and improve lives while creating efficiencies within the health system”.

Ben joined Pfizer in 1998 and has been leading the marketing organisation within Pfizer’s Innovative Medicines business at a regional level since 2015. Prior to this, he was Head of Pfizer Oncology in the UK where he assisted in shaping UK cancer policy through his work with Government, patient groups and as a co-chair of the ABPI’s cancer group. He also sat on the NHS Molecular Diagnostics in Cancer working group, as well as the South London Academic Health Science Network.

Commenting on his appointment, Ben said: “I am delighted to be returning to the UK business and to be taking on the role of UK Managing Director at such an important time. With the NHS at a critical moment in the development of its long-term plan, a new era of partnership between the health service and industry will be vital to achieving the best for UK patients. We are, therefore, very keen to develop new and build on existing relationships with Government and the NHS to try and help deliver this”.

Erik continues to be based in the UK and will remain as ABPI President until April 2019 when the ABPI’s next Annual General Meeting takes place.