Neil Lister, vice president international and managing director UK and Ireland at Perrigo, has been appointed as the new president of PAGB, the UK trade association for manufacturers of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, self care medical devices and food supplements.

Lister, who has been PAGB vice president since September 2017, takes over as president from David Barnett who has moved on from his role as area general manager Northern Europe at GSK Consumer Healthcare.

He commented: “As the NHS develops a new long-term plan, the need for a national strategy to support and empower people to self care has never been greater and with EU Exit negotiations reaching the critical stages it is vital PAGB member companies’ views are well represented.

“I look forward to working with the Board and the PAGB staff team to take forward the excellent work that is already underway to further the self care agenda and respond to the significant and ongoing changes in the external environment.”

Oya Canbas, UK & Ireland country division head at Bayer and Bart Meermans, regional director health UK/Ireland at RB, have both been appointed vice presidents.

John Smith, PAGB chief executive, said: “I am delighted Neil Lister has been appointed PAGB president and will be ably supported by our two new vice presidents, Oya Canbas and Bart Meermans.  Alongside the new Board, elected today at our AGM, their skills and experience will be valuable in helping PAGB in our aim to be recognised by our stakeholders for shaping the consumer healthcare industry in the run up to and during our centenary year in 2019.”