Former PhRMA executive to join generic drug trade group next month
WASHINGTON — Chester “Chip” Davis has been named president and chief executive officer of the Generic Pharmaceutical Association (GPhA), taking over from Ralph Neas, who is stepping down.
Chip Davis
GPhA said Wednesday that Davis, previously executive vice president for advocacy and member relations at Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), is slated to start in the CEO post on Aug. 18.
“It is a tremendous privilege to join the Generic Pharmaceutical Association and champion safe, effective and affordable generic drugs and biosimilars at the state, federal and international levels,” Davis said in a statement. “From policymakers to patients to providers, discussions on how to promote access while simultaneously generating health savings are taking center stage. Generic drugs, and soon biosimilars, play a vital role in holding down costs, and this industry’s record of savings and access must not only continue, but flourish. I look forward to working with our member companies, regulatory partners, elected officials, the great team at GPhA and all who stand to benefit from enhanced access to high-quality, more affordable medicines.”
A 20-year veteran of the biopharmaceutical industry, Davis joined PhRMA as executive vice president in April 2010. As executive vice president for advocacy and member relations, he led PhRMA’s federal, state and international government relations and advocacy efforts and had responsibility for membership recruitment and retention.
Before PhRMA, Davis served as vice president of corporate external relations at AstraZeneca, where he oversaw the company’s government relations, strategic alliances, community relations and employee volunteer efforts. He also was a member AstraZeneca’s corporate affairs leadership team and vice chairman of its political action committee.
“I am thrilled to have Chip join the GPhA team. His leadership skills, policy experience and deep relationships on the Hill and across the industry provide an excellent foundation for his role as our next CEO,” stated GPhA chairman Craig Wheeler, who’s also CEO of Momenta Pharmaceuticals. “Most importantly, the vision and passion he has shown for the importance of our industry and our mission as we seek to expand on the benefits generic drugs have provided to countless lives and build on the billions of dollars generic medicines have saved our health care system have convinced me he will excel as our next leader.
“I would also like to thank our current CEO, Ralph Neas, for all he has contributed and the excellent foundation he has provided for Chip,” Wheeler added. “Ralph and Chip will work together to ensure a smooth and optimal leadership transition.”
GPhA had announced in January that Neas planned to step down as its president and CEO. He has served as the organization’s chief executive since September 2011. The association said at the time that Neas would be available through spring of 2016 to help in the CEO transition and support and advise new leadership.
Davis most recently led a prominent pharmaceutical trade association’s government affairs and advocacy program, membership recruitment and retention efforts. He also has held senior management roles at a global innovator drug company.
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