Heather Simmonds to stand down as PMCPA Director

PMCPA Director, Heather Simmonds, has announced that she will leave the PMCPA at the end of December 2022.

Heather joined the ABPI in 1984 and started working on the Code over 30 years ago. Heather has been the Director of the PMCPA since 1997. 

Commenting on her decision, Heather Simmonds, said:

“As Director of the PMCPA, I have had the opportunity to contribute to self-regulation and to spend a significant part of my career in the pharmaceutical industry. 

“I have seen so many changes over the years and in leading the PMCPA I have often referred to the privilege of self-regulation and endeavoured to ensure that the standards set under self-regulation continually evolve to meet society’s expectations."  

Ben Osborn, ABPI President said:

“On behalf of everyone at the ABPI and the PMCPA, I would like to acknowledge the significant contribution that Heather had made to the UK pharmaceutical industry over the last 37 years. Heather has demonstrated her commitment to self-regulation and been an exemplar for maintaining high standards that have benefitted everyone involved in the UK healthcare system, but most importantly the patients we serve.”

“The PMCPA is critical to a thriving, innovative pharmaceutical industry in the UK and the patients who rely on our medicines and vaccines. I will be working with Heather in the months ahead to recruit for her successor.”