Accord’s Clara Carter to lead BGMA’s new Women’s Networking Group

BGMA names Elaine Holisz from Advanz as vice-chair of the group  

The British Generic Manufacturers Association (BGMA), the representative trade association for off-patent medicines, has established a new Women’s Networking Group aimed at fostering learning, networking, and career development opportunities for women in the generic and biosimilar medicines industry.

Clara Carter, UK country manager of generics at Accord Healthcare, has been elected as the first chair of the group, and Elaine Holisz, strategic engagement director at Advanz, as its vice chair.

Clara expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, saying, “This is a really important association initiative which will cover a wide range of topics and issues.”

“At its heart, I want it to be about identifying and nurturing talent and breeding confidence in future industry leaders. We will offer mentoring and speaker opportunities among a wide range of potential activities.”

With over two decades of experience in the off-patent medicines industry, Clara is committed to providing participants with practical insights and guidance.

Diane DiGangi Trench, Country Head UK & Ireland for Sandoz and current chair of the BGMA, highlighted the importance of the initiative, “The Women’s Networking Group will be a brilliant platform to encourage new voices in our industry and I am really looking forward to participating in the planned programme.”

“Diversity is one of my personal and professional passions and I wanted to use my time as chair to support initiatives that would encourage and support this,” she added.

Mark Samuels, CEO of the BGMA, emphasised the broader role of the association.

“While the principal function of the association is focused on advocacy for the industry with the government and other key partners, it is also important we can facilitate other networking and shared experience opportunities.

“This will be a valuable working group which we hope will be a springboard for future leaders in our industry,” he said.

The BGMA comprises members of the generic manufacturing supply industry, who account for approximately 85 per cent of the total UK generic market by volume.

Its members include eight of the ten largest medicine suppliers to the NHS.