Russell Abberley named Acting ABPI President as Susan Rienow becomes Pfizer CMO

As Acting ABPI President, he will focus on improving the UK’s international competitiveness in research, development, and the launch of innovative medicines

Russell Abberley, General Manager of Amgen UK and Ireland, has been appointed Acting President of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) following the departure of former President Susan Rienow, who has moved to a global role as Chief Marketing Officer at Pfizer.

The ABPI Vice-President has taken up the role on an interim basis, with the ABPI Board set to elect a new President in early 2025.

Russell has served on the ABPI Board since July 2020, chairing both the Clinical Trials Board Sponsored Group (BSG) and the Commercial and VPAG BSG.  He was appointed Vice President of the ABPI on 16 May 2024.

He is also a member of the Governance Committee and was part of the industry Negotiating Team for the recently signed 2024 Voluntary Agreement for Pricing, Access, and Growth (VPAG) scheme.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Russell said: “I am delighted to take on the role of Acting President. Our industry represents a real force for good in the UK - developing, manufacturing and driving access to innovative medicines for patients and working with the NHS to improve the nation’s health and wellbeing.

“I look forward to working with the new government to help realise the full potential of the UK life sciences sector whilst restoring the UK’s reputation as a global leader.”

Russel’s key focus will be ensuring that “the UK maintains and improves its international competitiveness as a place to research, develop and launch innovative medicines."

Outgoing President Susan Rienow praised Russell, saying: “Russell and I made a great team on the ABPI Board. He has a fantastic breadth of experience in our sector and I know he’ll be a great person to advance the industry’s agenda in the UK over the next few months.”

ABPI Chief Executive Richard Torbett added: “Russell is a prominent and hugely respected industry leader who has already contributed a great deal to the wider success of the UK’s health and life sciences community.”

“He was the natural choice to step in as Acting ABPI President, and I look forward to working with him even more closely.”

Torbett also acknowledged the work Susan Rienow did as ABPI President during a very crucial time for the industry.

He said: “While she will be greatly missed, it was no surprise to hear of her move to a new senior global role at her company. We all wish her all the best.”

With over 25 years of experience in the life sciences industry, Russell has worked across a range of geographies and covering country, regional and global roles.

His expertise covers all stages of the product life cycle and has worked across multiple therapy areas on originator medicines and biosimilars in commercial and operational roles at companies including Astra Zeneca, MSD and Schering Plough.

Russell has been the General Manager of Amgen UK & Ireland since May 2020.

He is also a member of the American Pharmaceutical Group, having served as Chair from August 2021 to October 2023.