This is the text extract for PHARMAC appoints Chief Executive, browse documents here.

25 June 2012

Media release

Steffan Crausaz appointed PHARMAC Chief Executive PHARMAC Board chairman Stuart McLauchlan has today announced the appointment of Steffan Crausaz as PHARMAC’s Chief Executive. Steffan Crausaz has been the Government pharmaceutical-funding agency’s acting Chief Executive since September 2011, following the departure of Matthew Brougham. Stuart McLauchlan says the appointment follows an extensive international search for the best candidate to lead PHARMAC into the future. “The coming years will be challenging for PHARMAC as it takes on new and expanded roles” says Stuart McLauchlan. “PHARMAC is taking on a greater role in relation to hospital medicines and medical devices, and has also been confirmed as managing Government funding of vaccines from next month.” “We needed to select the right person to lead PHARMAC into this new era. We wanted a person with proven leadership skills, a strong understanding of the New Zealand pharmaceutical environment, experience working in and with Government, and a vision for how PHARMAC would build on its record of success. I am pleased to announce that Steffan Crausaz is that person.” Steffan has previously worked in a variety of roles across the pharmaceutical sector in New Zealand and in the UK. He joined PHARMAC in 2003, and led the team that manages the medicine funding activity including the negotiation of contracts with pharmaceutical companies. He has a Master degree encompassing pharmacoeconomics and pharmaceutical policy, as well as a Bachelor of Pharmacy, both from UK Universities. Stuart McLauchlan says that the appointment also signals PHARMAC’s commitment to continuing to improve its engagement with a wide range of stakeholders. “In order to do its job well PHARMAC needs to establish and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders including the pharmaceutical industry, clinicians, pharmacists, patient and consumer groups, and our 20 District Health Boards whose funding it manages,” Stuart McLauchlan says. “Having Steffan at the helm of PHARMAC indicates our desire to continue strengthening those relationships so that on behalf of our DHBs, PHARMAC can perform its role effectively for New Zealanders.” ENDS Media enquires: Simon England 021 863 342