Laura McMullin appointed ABPI vice president amid calls for pharma investment reform
The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has appointed Laura McMullin as its new vice president, marking a significant step in the trade group's leadership. Ms McMullin, who currently serves as general manager of Daiichi Sankyo’s UK subsidiary, will work closely with ABPI president Russell Abberley, general manager of Amgen UK & Ireland, to advance the organisation’s mission. This mission aims to position the UK as the foremost global hub for pharmaceutical research, development, and the utilisation of innovative medicines and vaccines.
In her role at Daiichi Sankyo UK, Ms McMullin leads efforts to bring innovative treatments to the National Health Service (NHS), particularly in the fields of cardiovascular disease and oncology. Her extensive experience in the pharmaceutical sector spans roles at major companies including AstraZeneca and Bristol Myers Squibb, as well as leadership of Pierre-Fabre UK and Ireland. Since joining Daiichi Sankyo UK as general manager in April 2024, she has emphasised a commitment to improving population health through strategic partnerships across the healthcare ecosystem.
Ms McMullin’s appointment to vice president of the ABPI on 21 July 2025 places her at the heart of the organisation’s strategic governance. The ABPI board, comprising industry leaders elected by members, plays a vital role in defining the association’s strategic direction and ensuring it effectively supports its more than 150 members, including pharmaceutical companies and research affiliates. This leadership team guides efforts to facilitate faster access to new treatments within the NHS and shapes policies that influence the future of UK life sciences.
Throughout her tenure, Ms McMullin has been vocal about the challenges facing the UK pharmaceutical sector, particularly critiquing government proposals that could undermine the country’s attractiveness for investment. In 2023, she joined fellow life sciences leaders in condemning radical plans to overhaul the UK’s statutory medicines pricing scheme, warning that such changes risk damaging the UK’s international reputation and deterring critical investment. Similarly, in early 2025, she expressed concerns about the UK’s medicine levy, describing the current arrangements as “penalising and unpredictable,” which complicate strategic planning and diminish the UK's competitiveness in the global pharmaceutical market.
These positions reflect broader industry calls for a regulatory and economic environment that supports innovation and offers predictable, fair settlement frameworks. The ABPI and its leadership stress the need for policies that promote sustainable investment in the development of future medicines, which ultimately benefits patients and the health service alike.
Laura McMullin’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the UK’s pharmaceutical sector as it navigates complex regulatory landscapes while striving to maintain its status as a leader in medical innovation. Her experience and advocacy suggest she will be instrumental in driving the ABPI’s efforts to support its members and enhance the UK’s reputation as a vibrant and forward-looking life sciences hub.