Animal Medicines Australia (AMA), the peak industry body representing the innovators, manufacturers, formulators, and registrants of veterinary medicine products, has announced the appointment of Mr. Hendrik Van der Walt as its new President.
The appointment follows the expiry of the term of Mr. Eric Flanagan, General Manager of MSD, who served with distinction as Chair and President for the previous two years. AMA extends its gratitude to Mr. Flanagan for his dedicated leadership and contributions to the organisation and the broader animal health sector.
Mr. Van der Walt, General Manager of Elanco Australia and New Zealand, brings a wealth of expertise and leadership experience to the role. His deep understanding of the animal health sector will support AMA’s mission to drive innovation and advocate for improved health outcomes across Australia’s companion animal, livestock, and equine industries.
Welcoming the appointment, AMA Executive Director, Mr. Ben Stapley, said:
“The appointment of Mr. Van der Walt as Chair and President comes at a pivotal time for Animal Medicines Australia and our sector. Hendrik’s deep industry knowledge and breadth of experience will be instrumental in ensuring our industry delivers better outcomes for all animals.”
“Effective responses to current regulatory reform processes, sustainability opportunities and biosecurity challenges will be critical to supporting an innovative Australian animal health sector”, said Mr Stapley.
Mr. Stapley also acknowledged Mr. Flanagan’s contributions, stating:
“I would like to thank recently departed Chair, Mr. Eric Flanagan, for his significant service and contribution to the success of our organisation and the animal health industry. Under Eric’s guidance, the Board has laid a strong foundation for shaping animal health in a dynamic policy environment.”
Mr Flanagan will continue as a director of AMA.
AMA looks forward to continuing to advocate and promote the contribution that animal health products make to the health and welfare of Australia’s pets, livestock, horses and other animals under human care.