With a focus on accelerating Greek patients’ access to innovative therapies and addressing major challenges in pharmaceutical policy, PhARMA Innovation Forum completed its electoral process for the appointment of its new Board of Directors on Friday, May 15. The high level of participation and the spirit of unity among its 31 member companies confirmed PIF’s leading role as an institutional partner of the Government, sharing a common vision for shaping a sustainable and patient-centered healthcare system.
Composition of the new Board of Directors
The new Board of Directors of PIF, which was officially formed today, Monday, May 18, with the aim of promoting innovation and the sustainability of the healthcare system, consists of the following members:
President: Kavita Patel, General Manager, Roche Greece & Cyprus
Vice President: Elizabeth Prodromou, Managing Director, Bristol-Myers Squibb Greece
Secretary General: Ioannis Kokkotos, Head of Immunology (South-East Europe) & Country Lead Greece, UCB
Treasurer: Daniel Paksy, Managing Director, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine Greece & Romania
Member: Labrina Barmpetaki, Managing Director & Chair of the Board, AbbVie Greece, Cyprus & Malta
Member: Lizzie Champion, Vice President & General Manager, GSK Greece
Member: Yvoni Papastelatou, Country Manager, Medison Pharma Greece, Cyprus & Malta
Following the completion of the process, the members of the new Board of Directors shared their views on the upcoming three-year term:
The newly appointed President of PIF and General Manager of Roche Greece & Cyprus, Ms. Kavita Patel, setting the tone for the new term, stated: “At PIF, we believe there is no time to wait; bold, targeted actions and a collective effort are needed to ensure that innovation reaches those who need it most. I am committed to working with passion and a strong sense of responsibility to foster a sustainable and predictable environment, guided by a spirit of sincere collaboration, while transforming innovation into tangible outcomes for every patient in Greece. Together, we will help shape a healthier tomorrow.”
In the same spirit, PIF Vice President and Managing Director of Bristol Myers Squibb Greece, Ms. Elizabeth Prodromou, outlined the framework of strategic discipline and collective responsibility, stating: “At a critical time for innovative therapies in Greece, we need a PIF with strategic direction, clear priorities, and a meaningful impact that will actively contribute to shaping the future of innovation in our country. The challenges we face do not discriminate between larger or smaller companies, different portfolios, or varying levels of extroversion. They concern the present and future of patients’ access to the treatments they need. That is why the next step for PIF must be even more strategic, more united, and more effective. A PIF that meaningfully leverages the momentum, experience, and collective strength of its members, while building stronger alliances and a more evidence-based and impactful presence in public dialogue.”
For his part, PIF Secretary General and Head of Immunology (South-East Europe) & Country Lead Greece at UCB, Ioannis Kokkotos, focused on the importance of gradual yet meaningful changes that contribute to strengthening the institutional framework of the sector: “Innovation is the cornerstone of a resilient and sustainable healthcare system. Drawing on UCB’s experience, which lies at the heart of European decision-making, I am committed to actively contributing to the further strengthening of collaboration with all stakeholders in Greece. I firmly believe that targeted and meaningful interventions — even on a small scale — can ultimately serve as a catalyst for the broader institutional reform that the healthcare sector needs. Together, with responsibility and a results-oriented mindset, we can substantially improve the healthcare ecosystem, ensuring tangible benefits for innovation and society in our country.”
Addressing the critical issue of sustainability and the recognition of the value of innovation, PIF Treasurer and Managing Director of Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine Greece & Romania, Mr. Daniel Paksy, stated:
“The challenge of clawback and the limited access to new therapies is not solely an industry issue; it concerns the entire healthcare system and, most importantly, Greek patients. Drawing on my experience across different continents and markets, I am committed to advancing the recognition of innovation’s value through the defining ‘currency’ of our era: data. My objective is to help shape reimbursement strategies that fully acknowledge the value we bring to the country, transforming today’s challenges into opportunities for the healthcare system as a whole.”
Abbvie Board Member and Managing Director & Chairwoman of the Board of Directors for Greece, Cyprus & Malta, Ms. Labrina Barmpetaki, commenting on the strategic expansion of PIF’s role and intervention, stated: “Three years ago, we embarked on this journey with vision and determination. Today, having established strong foundations, the time has come to amplify our voice and further strengthen our institutional role. I remain fully committed to advancing patients’ access to innovation by investing in the power of data and in strong international partnerships. The path to innovation is challenging, but it should never be a solitary one. We are 31 voices united behind a common purpose. We do not have a moment to lose.”
Ms. Lizzie Champion, Board Member, Chairwoman of the Board & General Manager of GSK Greece, highlighted the social impact of innovation and the importance of outward-looking engagement, noting: “My commitment is driven by a profound concern: ensuring that Greek patients are not deprived of the groundbreaking therapies of the future. Drawing on my international experience and the strength of an exceptional local team, my goal is to contribute to further strengthening PIF’s extroversion and to showcasing the value of innovation for society and patients alike. We must demonstrate the value of innovation to society, because only by earning citizens’ trust can we mobilize meaningful action at the policy level. I am committed to working with unwavering optimism, resilience, and a strong results-oriented mindset to ensure that every new patient in Greece gains timely access to therapies that can transform lives.”
Finally, Ms. Yvoni Papastelatou, Board Member and Country Manager of Medison Pharma for Greece, Cyprus and Malta, emphasized the need for a realistic yet ambitious strategy that safeguards Greece’s role within international healthcare developments: “My candidacy for the Board of Directors of the PhARMA Innovation Forum reflects a strong sense of responsibility toward accelerating patient access to innovation in Greece. At this critical juncture, it is essential that we collaborate with a spirit of teamwork and with the patient at the center of every decision, ensuring that breakthrough therapies reach those who need them most and that Greece continues to play an active role in the global healthcare innovation landscape.”
The newly elected Board of Directors of the PhARMA Innovation Forum assumes its mandate at a time when pharmaceutical innovation is increasingly recognized as a key pillar for the resilience and sustainability of the National Health System. Following its formal constitution, PIF is immediately launching a new cycle of dialogue with the State and social stakeholders, putting forward concrete, evidence-based proposals aimed at transforming current challenges into opportunities for healthcare, the economy and, above all, for Greek patients.
