The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has announced the appointment of Gisela Abbam as its new Chair. Gisela takes over from the current Chair, Nigel Clarke, who has been in position since 2014 and has completed the statutory maximum eight years in office. The appointment was made by the Privy Council after a robust selection process which was scrutinised by the Professional Standards Authority. Gisela officially takes office on 14 March 2022.
Gisela has a wealth of experience in delivering change in the health and life sciences sector, both in the UK and globally. She has a particular interest in improving access to and equality in global health and development.
Previously, Gisela was Chair of the British Science Association (BSA). Gisela became Chair of the BSA’s Council in January 2019, succeeding The Rt. Hon. Lord David Willetts. In that role, she led the BSA’s Council and championed the BSA mission and vision, driving forward an agenda on equality, diversity, and inclusion in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).
Gisela has worked in collaboration with governments, the World Health Organisation, the United Nations, and other multilateral organisations to improve health outcomes for people across the world. She is the Senior Director Government Affairs for EMEAI at PerkinElmer, a global provider of end-to-end solutions that help scientists, researchers and clinicians better diagnose disease, discover new and more personalised drugs, monitor the safety and quality of food, and drive environmental and applied analysis excellence. She also currently serves on a number of Advisory Committees and sits on the Board of Everywoman Ltd., an organisation dedicated to advancing women in business.
Incoming Chair of the GPhC, Gisela Abbam, said:
“I am delighted and honoured to be appointed as the new Chair of the General Pharmaceutical Council and I look forward to leading the Council to achieve its vision of safe and effective pharmacy care at the heart of healthier communities. COVID-19 highlighted the increased role of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacies in providing clinical services. Effective standards and regulation can help pharmacy to provide more support to patients and the public at large. I look forward to working with Council, the Executive team and staff and collaborating with other organisations to improve the health of people using pharmacy services.”
Outgoing GPhC Chair, Nigel Clarke, said:
“I am very pleased to welcome Gisela to the GPhC on behalf of the Council. Gisela is joining the GPhC at an exciting time of major changes in both pharmacy and health regulation. I am sure her vast experience in healthcare will help the GPhC drive forward the aims set out in our Vision 2030, and bring a real focus on the difference we want to make for patients and the public.”