Brussels, 19 October 2017; Previously stepping up to the role as President of AnimalhealthEurope in June 2016 following the retirement of the 2015-2016 chairman, Wijnand de Bruijn of Dopharma was elected for a second term by board members at the general assembly held on the day of the association’s 30th anniversary gala dinner.

Speaking after the gala dinner where the association unveiled its new name and strategy, and EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Vytenis Andriukaitis delivered a passionate speech on the need for more One Health cooperation, Mr. de Bruijn said, “I am very excited and proud to continue at the helm of this newly invigorated association. As our new brand depicts, animal health is at the centre of everything we do as an industry, and I will do my utmost to promote the many benefits that healthy animals can bring in terms of public health, sustainable food production, and for both the environment and the society we live in. I will use this mandate to ensure that the business of researching, developing and producing medicines is fully understood, and will continue to promote a more streamlined and science-based regulatory environment that is conducive to innovation in its many forms.”

Alongside de Bruijn, treasurer Clint Lewis of Zoetis was also re-elected for a second term. He will be flanked by newly elected vice-presidents Hans-Guenther Dittrich of MSD animal health and Santiago de Andres from the Spanish National Association, Veterindustria.

Commenting on the appointment, Roxane Feller, AnimalhealthEurope Secretary General said “The availability of solutions to help control and manage animal disease in the many different animals, in all member states is of utmost importance for both the customers we serve – animals, pet owners, farmers, veterinarians – and Europe’s people. I look forward to continuing alongside Wijnand de Bruijn to advocate a predictable regulatory framework that allows for progress toward our goal of enhanced availability of innovative animal medicines to help safeguard animal and public health across Europe.”

Ends

Pictured: (left to right) Clint Lewis (Zoetis), Wijnand de Bruijn (Dopharma), Vytenis Andriukaitis (EU Commissioner for Health & Food Safety), Roxane Feller (AnimalhealthEurope), Santiago de Andres (Veterindustria)