Changes in ECA Foundation and European QP Association Advisory Boards announced

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The ECA Foundation and the European QP Association announced changes to their advisory boards.

Mr Richard M. Bonner, Chairman of the ECA Foundation and the European QP Association since 2012, recently resigned from both boards. Dr Afshin Hosseiny, the current Co-Chair of the ECA, has been appointed Chairman of the ECA Foundation and  Dr Ulrich Kissel has been appointed Chairman of The European QP Association.  

The main objective of the ECA Foundation is to discuss GMP and GDP developments with all stakeholders, and during Richard's chairmanship the organisation achieved global recognition throughout the pharma industry, academia and regulatory authorities. 

Richard was a founding member of the European QP Association which has since grown to become a recognised industry association with over 3.000 members. EQPA is acknowledged across the pharma industry and by regulatory authorities as the leading expert organisation supporting QPs.   

"It is with a large degree of sadness that I have decided to step down from my roles of Chairman of the ECA and EQPA" Richard said. I have worked with some amazing people over the years and look fondly on my time with ECA." To read his complete message, please see Richard Bonner's Good-bye note.

Further changes to the ECA Foundation board include the appointment of Mr Lance Smallshow (current the Director of Regulatory Affairs) as Co-Chair and Dr Ulrich Kissel as Director of Regulatory Affairs. 

Dr Kissel, who has also been appointed as Chairman of the EQPA Board, has more than 20 years of experience in industry, mainly in lab functions, global logistics, and global asset management. As QP and Head of Site Quality he was  responsible for certifying IMPs and commercial products . "I see a lot of areas where we need to work together as a large QP community", he stated upon his nomination as new Chairman. "With this in mind, I am looking forward to taking over the larger role as the Chair in the EQPA Board. My wish is that the EQPA continues to provide an organized, efficient and effective platform for professional exchange and learning."

The EQPA also announced the following nominations. David Cockburn and Georg Göstl will join the board as new members. David Cockburn brings in his long-term experience from the European Medicines Agency (EMA). There he was Head of Manufacturing and Quality Compliance and Chair of the GMP/GDP Inspectors Working Group (IWG). Latterly, he was also the EU technical lead for the EU-US Mutual Recognition Agreement. Georg Göstl has 30 years of industry experience in various functions in the areas of quality control and quality assurance and as Qualified Person. He has also been member of the Blood Commission of the Austrian Ministry of Health since 2006 as well as member of various working groups within different industry associations (Pharmig, PPTA). He has further been Chairman of the Austrian QP Association since 2013.