​Dr Allison Jeynes-Ellis, a research and development specialist in oncology, takes over from Dr Richard Tiner, who is retiring after 13 years as the ABPI’s medical director. The job title has changed to reflect the broader remit of the new role.

Dr Jeynes-Ellis will drive forward the ABPI’s innovation agenda, which covers R&D, manufacturing, regulation and medical affairs, representing the whole spectrum from first discovery through to approval of new medicines.

A graduate of Sheffield University, Dr Jeynes-Ellis moved to the pharmaceutical industry after working in hospital medicine. She has spent 17 years in the industry in a variety of senior roles, including six years as medical director for Wyeth UK. Before Wyeth she was director of oncology at Bristol Myers Squibb. She currently works as an independent consultant, working for large and small pharmaceutical companies and within the biotech sector.

Commenting on her appointment, Dr Jeynes-Ellis said: “I'm delighted to be joining the ABPI. I look forward to working with member companies, delivering against the industry’s innovation agenda with the ultimate goal of improving choices for the benefit of all patients. One of my key objectives is to ensure that the UK remains a major global hub for R&D, as well as manufacturing.”

Dr Jeynes-Ellis has worked across a wide range of therapy areas including women's health, transplantation, haemophilia, gastro-enterology, biotech and vaccines, and with various worldwide regulatory agencies including the FDA, EMEA and MHRA. She has run clinical trials across all continents.

Dr Richard Barker, director-general of the ABPI, said: “Allison joins the ABPI at an exciting time. She brings a wealth of industry experience and will be instrumental in driving forward our work in key areas.” Dr Jeynes-Ellis takes up her new post full-time on July 1.