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Dr. Johan Vanhemelrijck Moves On From the European Federation of Animal Health
Brussels, Belgium, 01 July 2002: After 13 years of leadership of the European animal health industry association, the Executive Committee of FEDESA reluctantly accepted that Dr. Johan Vanhemelrijck has decided to take up other challenges.
Dr. Vanhemelrijck started at FEDESA as Secretary General in 1989 and built up a strong organisation, with the commitment of its staff, on behalf of all its members – both corporate and national associations. The then 2-year-old organisation matured under his 13 years of leadership and, through his vision and drive, became an example of efficient industry representation at the Brussels level.
Dr. Vanhemelrijck was congratulated by the federation’s Executive Committee and membership at the last General Assembly in Brussels on June 19. His activities and achievements were also recognised by the Belgian veterinary profession, who awarded him the title of Honorary Dean of the veterinary profession.
“By definition, an association is a group of members, Dr. Vanhemelrijck said, “It is their collective work and commitment that makes an association effective. And it is this collective work and commitment – coupled with the commitment of the staff – that has enabled FEDESA to be so successful over the past 13 years.”
Dr. Horst Geilhausen, President of FEDESA stated, “We will miss Jo and his expertise. But FEDESA is a strong European organisation, which means that the representation is secured. This was confirmed at the Annual General Assembly in Brussels on 19 June, which said yes to the continuation of a strong, European-specific federation to represent the European animal health industry.”
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NOTE TO EDITORS:
1. FEDESA, the European Federation of Animal Health, represents the animal health industry in Europe. Its membership comprises 16 national associations and 17 companies active in the research, development and marketing of veterinary medicines. FEDESA works towards a European environment where the value of safe and effective animal health products is recognised and where these high-quality products can be developed, registered and provided quickly and economically. |
