EuropaBio, the European Association for Bioindustries, has appointed Johan Vanhemelrijck as new Secretary General.  He will join the association in March 2004 as the successor of Hugo Schepens, who will retire.  Jo Vanhemelrijck is a Belgian national and doctor in veterinary medicine (University of Gent).  After 12 years with the Animal Health Division of Upjohn, he headed Fedesa, the European Federation of Animal Health, from 1989 to 2002.  For the past year, he has been Senior Director Worldwide Industry Affairs for Pharmacia Animal Health.

“We are very happy to have found a candidate with a strong life sciences background and with a solid European trade association experience,” said Feike Sijbesma, EuropaBio Chairman and Management Board Member of DSM.  “Jo’s knowledge of the European institutions and the way they operate guarantees continuity with the work Hugo has been doing over the past three and a half years.  His regulatory expertise will be an invaluable asset in an association like ours, which is under rapid development.”

“It is a particular pleasure for me to head the association of European biotech industries, one of the most dynamic sectors of the modern economy.  A technology that now starts to fulfil its promises, and one that has enormous future possibilities and untapped potential to increase the wellbeing of the whole society” said Jo Vanhemelrijck.

EuropaBio, the European Association for Bioindustries, has 35 corporate members operating worldwide and 23 national biotechnology associations representing some 1200 small and medium sized enterprises involved in research and development, testing, manufacturing and distribution of biotechnology products.