Winner
Aileen Thompson
Summary of work
Aileen advises the ABPI’s board of management and senior leadership team on all communications and engagement opportunities - highlighting the value the pharmaceutical industry brings to the UK. She heads up a team that is responsible for leading the organisation’s engagement with government, media, patient groups and the wider healthcare community.
Aileen began her career working for a range of PR agencies including Burson-Marsteller and Weber Shandwick and then went on to work in senior executive roles, in comapnies such as Kellogg’s Europe, Vodafone and Innovate UK.
Aileen’s role at the ABPI is pivotal in highlighting the value the pharmaceutical industry brings to the UK, and ensures that industry continues to work with all stakeholders to ensure patients across the UK have access to the medicines they need.
Testimonials and Judges’ comments
“Aileen has continued to plough a new furrow in building the reputation of our UK industry within the ABPI. She has also played a critical role in restoring the Healthcare Communications Association to a strong and valuable position in modern healthcare communications.”
"Aileen is a highly respected healthcare communicator and HCA colleague, who is guiding our UK industry through a very challenging time. In her role as Chair of the HCA, she has been passionate about driving excellence in healthcare communications. It has been an absolute privilege to have her leadership, support and guidance."
“A leader for the pharma industry. Since Aileen joined she had made a noticeable difference to how, when and on what the ABPI engage. It must have been a tough challenge to turn that ocean tanker around! Critical we now have a trade body that is more vocal about the value the industry brings. Aileen also knows the coal face having worked in agency, and she has client expertise outside health which must have been invaluable.”
“Aileen has led the primary pharma trade organisation through a huge period of change and challenge, ultimately positioning it positively for the good it does. She is an inspirational leader and one of the best known names in pharma comms.”
