BioPharmaChem Ireland Announces Joyce Fitzharris as New Chairperson
BioPharmaChem Ireland (BPCI), the Ibec group representing the biopharmaceutical and chemical sectors, today announced the election of Joyce Fitzharris, President of SK pharmteco, Small Molecule, Europe, as its new chairperson. Joyce succeeds outgoing chair Brian Killen, MSD, Digital Transformation Lead, Manufacturing Division. The announcement was made at BPCI’s Annual Leaders Forum in Kilkenny, where over 80 senior leaders gathered to discuss the sustainable development of the sector.
The Forum is to discuss how collaboration between industry, government, and stakeholders is critical to ensuring that Ireland remains competitive and attractive for investment, and the need for a clear, prioritised Life Sciences Strategy to truly position Ireland as a global leader in the biopharmaceutical and chemical industries.
Speaking after her appointment, Joyce Fitzharris said: “I am honoured to take on the role of chair at BPCI during such a critical time for our industry. Ireland is a global leader in the biopharmaceutical and chemical sectors—industries that make a significant positive impact on both our economy and society, nationally and internationally. However, in an era of heightened global competition for investment, there can be no complacency. To maintain and grow our position, we must continue to invest in higher and further education, invest in infrastructure, increase our productivity, enhance our competitiveness, and develop a best-in-class Life Sciences Strategy that provides a clear roadmap for the future.”
Joyce also paid tribute to her predecessor: “I want to acknowledge my outgoing colleague, Brian Killen, who has chaired BPCI with distinction. Under his leadership, we saw the development of a four-year strategy aimed at positioning Ireland as the global leader in sustainable biopharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing. His contributions have been immense, and I am excited to build on the foundation he has laid.”
Sinead Keogh, Director of BioPharmaChem Ireland and Ibec Head of Sectors, welcomed Joyce to her new role: “We are fortunate to have someone of Joyce’s calibre leading BPCI for the coming year. Joyce has proven herself as a strong leader throughout her long and distinguished career in the sector. Her experience, expertise, and insight will be invaluable as we continue to embrace the opportunities and address the challenges that lie ahead. We look forward to working closely with Joyce during what promises to be a transformative number of years for our industry. At BPCI, we would also like to welcome Dana Daneshvari, General Manager & VP Manufacturing, Johnson & Johnson, Innovative Medicine Ringaskiddy, Cork, who will now step into the role of vice-chair, Dana also brings a wealth of experience with him, and joins Joyce at this important time.
The BPCI Board, made up of executive directors at CEO and managing director level from across the biopharma, pharma, and chemical sectors, governs the association and oversees its strategic direction. The biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical industries in Ireland employ over 80,000 people directly and indirectly, across 90 companies. In its recent pre-Budget submission, BPCI called on the Government to address competitiveness challenges to strengthen Ireland’s global leadership position and enhance the industry’s long-term competitiveness.
