Dr Barker has more than 20 years’ experience in the healthcare industry, holding a range of senior leadership roles both in the UK and internationally. His career has spanned the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical informatics sectors, thus giving him a broad perspective on the issues facing both healthcare systems and the pharmaceutical industry.
“The opportunities and challenges facing both the industry and the NHS are large, ranging from the right of patients throughout the country to full access to modern medicines, to the need to ensure that the UK remains an attractive place for companies to carry out the research and development of new medicines,” said Dr Barker.
“This makes it an exciting time to join the ABPI, and I am looking forward to working with the ABPI’s membership, Government, the NHS and patients to ensure the UK’s need for effective medicines are met, and to develop innovative solutions to industry-wide challenges in the UK, European and worldwide context.”
Dr Barker is the founder and president of New Medicine Partners, an advisory firm assisting pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to address issues of strategy, product development and commercialisation. He is also chairman of Molecular Staging, a genomics and proteomics company serving academic researchers and major pharmaceutical companies; a member of the board of Exact Sciences, which applies genomics to colon cancer screening; and a member of the advisory board for paediatric devices for the Children’s Hospital, Boston.
Formerly, Dr Barker was Chief Executive of Chiron’s diagnostic division, General Manager of IBM’s worldwide healthcare business and leader of McKinsey’s European healthcare practice.
“Richard Barker brings a wealth of experience to the ABPI, and I know that his broad experience will stand him in good stead over the succeeding years,” said Vincent Lawton, President of the ABPI.
“Richard will add considerable strength to the activities of the ABPI and his skill and knowledge will be a valuable asset to the future success of the pharmaceutical industry,” said Trevor Jones, Director General of the ABPI.
For further information, please contact: ABPI Press Office 020 7747 1410