The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA), the body representing the research-based pharmaceutical industry to the United Nations and the global stage, announced that Elliot Dunster will be joining the trade body on 17 April as Executive Director of Communications. He will be taking over the role from Abigail Jones, who is retiring in the course of 2023.

Elliot joins IFPMA after seven years at The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry Medicines (ABPI), where he is Executive Director of Corporate Affairs and Devolved Nations, leading the association’s government affairs, communications, and reputation work. During his time at ABPI, Elliot also led the association’s work on Brexit, including working as a national expert for the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA). He has been actively involved with various EFPIA and IFPMA committees and working groups. Elliot has extensive experience working in political communications, advocacy, and corporate affairs roles. Prior to joining ABPI, he worked for a prominent health NGO and for a member of the UK Parliament in the UK Government’s Treasury and Business Departments.

Abigail Jones will stay on as special adviser to IFPMA for the remainder of 2023.

Thomas Cueni, Director General of IFPMA, said: “I am very excited to have Elliot lead our high performing communications team and join our management team. He will bring a mix of policy and communications experience. This is critical to ensuring that our association can continue to be a leading voice for the pharmaceutical industry on a wide range of global health issues, where our experience and insights need to be brought to the attention of decision-makers. I am extremely grateful to Abigail Jones, who accepted to head up our communications in the first days of the COVID-19 pandemic, where her three decades of experience ensured we could hit the ground running. Her media skills, deep knowledge of the global health policy and strategic leadership has been instrumental in bringing our message to the world’s media. I look forwards to Elliot continuing the important task of explaining our contribution to bring innovation to patients and improve equitable access to life saving treatments and vaccines.”

About IFPMA

IFPMA represents the innovative pharmaceutical industry at the international level, engaging in official relations with the United Nations and multilateral organizations. Our vision is to ensure that scientific progress translates into the next generation of medicines and vaccines that deliver a healthier future for people everywhere.

To achieve this, we act as a trusted partner, bringing our members' expertise to champion pharmaceutical innovation, drive policy that supports the research, development, and delivery of health technologies, and create sustainable solutions that advance global health.

ifpma.org

Media Contact

Elliot Dunster e.dunster@ifpma.org