The European Association of Euro-Pharmaceutical Companies (‘EAEPC’) has appointed Mr Kasper Ernest as its new Secretary-General. From the 3^rd April he will be working alongside the present incumbents, Mr Richard Freudenberg and Dr. Heinz Kobelt, until the end of 2018, after which time he will assume the full responsibilities of the role.

Mr. Ernest will be representing the parallel distribution sector in various European and national forums, providing strategic direction and leadership of EAEPC as well as manage the day-to-day operations of the organization.

A Danish national, Mr Ernest has been a leading actor in the Dansk Erhverv (Confederation of Danish Enterprise) since 2009, and as Director of EU & International Department since 2015.

He was selected from a strong field of candidates by an EAEPC working group, and his appointment was confirmed by the EAEPC Board in December 2017. The Secretary-General is a full-time role.

Commenting on his new appointment, Mr Ernest said: ‘I’m honoured to have been selected as the new Secretary-General of EAEPC. The EC parallel distribution of medicines is one of the industrial functionalities, which fulfil the basic Single Market concept of free movement of goods. By the legal delivery of more cost effective and safe original medicines, EAEPC members daily enhance the choice and experience of European patients. I look forward to working with the existing secretariat and members to advance the aims of the sector and to meet patient needs.’

Congratulating him on the appointment, Richard Freudenberg, President of EAEPC, commented: ‘I am very pleased to welcome Mr Ernest as EAEPC Secretary-General. He brings several solid years experience of performance within the Brussels business and representative community and is a natural leader, with indomitable energy. Alongside our experienced team, I am sure that Mr Ernest will continue to ensure that EAEPC is the turn-to body for parallel distribution in Europe’

Note

The European Association of Euro-Pharmaceutical Companies (EAEPC) is the European association representing around 100 EEA licensed wholesalers engaged in the parallel distribution of medicines

EAEPC members comprise both national associations and individual companies in 23 of the EU/EEA member states