Rappagliosi joined the EuropaBio board in 2004 and was appointed to the executive committee in 2005. In the last four years, he has chaired the Healthcare Council of the Association and represented EuropaBio at the European Commission High Level Pharmaceutical Forum.
“We need to be courageous and drive changes to ensure that in Europe we utilise the full potential of biotechnology in order to overcome the important challenges imposed by the financial, economic and social crisis that we are currently facing,” said Rappagliosi, on the announcement of his new role. “By strengthening the European biotechnology sector's competitiveness, we will build a solid foundation for a wealthy and healthy society in Europe, where citizens can live better and longer. This sector can play an important part in progress towards Europe’s goal of economic growth, social prosperity and solidarity.”
EuropaBio also elected Thomas Bols, Director Government Affairs, Europe, Amgen, as Chair of the Healthcare Council and Detlef Niese, Head of External Affairs, Global Development, Novartis, as Vice-Chair for Science. Jan Wisse, Managing Director of the Netherlands' Biotech Industry Association, was elected Chair of the National Associations’ Council.
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