News
Thursday May 21 2026
Paul Burden takes chair role at Medicines UK
Medicines UK has announced that Paul Burden will become its new chair. Paul, who is the UK Country Head for Accord Healthcare, will succeed Diane Di Gangi-Trench, Head of Northern Cluster Europe, Sandoz, who will serve a further 12-months as the association’s vice-chair.
Paul Burden takes chair role at Medicines UK
- The UK Country Head for Accord Healthcare succeeds Sandoz’s Diane Di Gangi-Trench who will continue as vice-chair for 12 months
(DATE) Medicines UK - the trade body for off-patent generic and biosimilar medicines which fulfil 85% of NHS patient prescriptions – has announced that Paul Burden will become its new chair.
Paul, who is the UK Country Head for Accord Healthcare, will succeed Diane Di Gangi-Trench, Head of Northern Cluster Europe, Sandoz, who will serve a further 12-months as the association’s vice-chair.
The announcement was made at Medicine UK’s recent AGM. Paul has a long association with the trade body having served as vice-chair for the past 12-months and prior to that led the economic and commercial working group.
His past career experiences include leadership roles with Thornton & Ross, Advanz and Teva.
What did they say...
Paul Burden, UK General Manager for Accord Healthcare, said:
“It is with immense pride that I take on the role of Chair at Medicines UK. The association is a powerful voice for the off‑patent sector, which delivers critical savings to the NHS and expands patient access to essential medicines.
“I’d like to thank Diane, who has been an impactful leader for our sector in recent years - spearheading major initiatives and championing the power of partnership with our key audiences. I am pleased that her knowledge and experience will continue to guide our work in her role as vice‑chair.
“Going forwards our mission remains the same to ensure the UK market is attractive and viable for manufacturers and that patients can access the medicines they need in the right way and at the right time. In recent years Medicines UK has established a much stronger voice within government and I aim to build upon this at a pivotal moment for our sector.”
Diane DiGangi Trench, Head of Northern Cluster Europe, Sandoz, said:
“The role of Chair at Medicines UK has been a true professional highlight. In recent years our stature, scale, impact, and reach have grown significantly, and I am proud to have contributed to that momentum.
“Our sector remains essential to the safe and sustainable running of the NHS, and it is vital that our voice continues to be heard and recognised in the critical conversations shaping the UK healthcare system.
“I am handing over to a highly capable successor in Paul, an experienced leader who will continue to drive our mission forward. I look forward to championing our sector in my ongoing role as Vice‑Chair.”
Mark Samuels
Mark Samuels, chief executive of Medicines UK, said:
“We are fortunate to be able to call upon such experienced and dedicated leaders to chair our association. Diane has been a wonderful advocate for us bringing passion and professionalism and we are extremely grateful for her insight, knowledge, and determination to drive forward our collective agenda in partnership with Government. We welcome Paul as our new chair, a valued addition to the association having already proved himself an astute contributor in his time as part of Medicines UK.”
Find out more
For further information about Medicines UK, please contact Jeremy Durrant on 07879650206 or email jeremy.durrant@medicinesuk.com.
About Medicines UK
- Medicines UK represents the generic and biosimilar manufacturing industry, accounting for around 85% of the UK off‑patent market by volume.
- Members supply more than four out of five prescription medicines used by the NHS.
- A strong off‑patent sector introduces competition that makes medicines more affordable and enhances availability for patients.
- According to NHSBSA, more than a billion items are prescribed generically each year. Competition from generic and biosimilar medicines saves the NHS around £20billion annually.
