EMA Management Board elects Christa Wirthumer-Hoche as chair

17 March 2016

Mandate starts today for three-year period

At its 17 March meeting in London, the European Medicines Agency's (EMA) Management Board elected Christa Wirthumer-Hoche (pictured) as chair of the Board for a three-year period.

Dr Wirthumer-Hoche is Head of the Austrian Medicines and Medical Devices Agency, a post she has held since October 2013. She has served as vice-chair of EMA's Management Board since March 2015. She is also co-chair of the EU Network Training Centre that was launched in January 2015 and has served as chair of EMA's Active Substance Master File Working Group. She holds a doctorate from the Technical University of Vienna and a diploma in chemistry and biochemistry.

“It is a great honour to be appointed as chair of EMA's Management Board,” said Dr Wirthumer-Hoche accepting her election. “As chair, my ambition is to ensure a strong partnership between EMA, the European Union national competent authorities and the European Commission to guarantee that EMA is able to fulfil its important role of safeguarding human and animal health in Europe.”

EMA's Executive Director, Guido Rasi, said “I am delighted to welcome Dr Wirthumer-Hoche as the new chair of the Agency's Management Board. As vice-chair of the board, she has already demonstrated many times that she has the vision and leadership ability required for this important role. I look forward to our close collaboration.”

Dr Wirthumer-Hoche has been a member of the Board since October 2013. She succeeds Sir Kent Woods, who stepped down as chair of the Board in December 2015.

The Management Board sets the Agency's budget, approves the annual work programme and is responsible for ensuring that the Agency works effectively and co-operates successfully with partner organisations across the EU and beyond.