Meaden, who has been working for the ABPI since April 2012 as head of policy and public affairs, takes up her new post with immediate effect. She now reports to chief executive Stephen Whitehead.
He said: ‘I look forward to working with Catherine as we continue to build a world-class comms and advocacy function that speaks with a unified voice for the industry.’
In her new role, Meaden will be responsible for advising the ABPI’s senior leadership team and board of management on comms issues.
One of Meaden’s main responsibilities will be to communicate the value of the pharmaceutical industry to the UK Government, focusing on the industry’s ability to create potentially life-changing medicines and drive economic growth.
She has replaced Jane Atkin, who had filled the role on an interim basis following the departure of Amanda Callaghan to join the British Retail Consortium in January. Atkin has now left the ABPI.
Before joining the ABPI, Meaden held a series of senior comms positions, including associate director of marketing and comms at NHS Direct and head of public affairs and campaigns at Cancer Research UK.
Audrey Yvernault, the ABPI’s head of CEO and president external affairs, has succeeded Meaden. Yvernault’s former role will cease to exist, but she will retain those responsibilities.
