Brussels, 15 November  2006: The IFAH Board has elected George Gunn, CEO of Novartis Animal Health, as President for a two-year term, effective as of  November 2006. Mr. Gunn succeeds Pedro Lichtinger, who stepped down as President in August 2006 following his appointment as Pfizer Inc. Vice President / Area President - Europe Pharmaceutical Operations.

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Mr Gunn joined Novartis in September 2003 and became Head of the Animal Health business in 2004. Mr. Gunn is a veterinarian from the Shetland Islands in Scotland with more than 20 years extensive experience in various leadership positions in both the human pharma and animal health with a proven track record of success and management capability.  Prior to joining Novartis, he was responsible for the worldwide animal health business of Pharmacia.  

"I thank the Board members for their trust and look forward to working together with them to strengthen the voice of the animal health industry on the global level. IFAH has increased its activities over the past years and is seen as a major player on animal health by international organisations and national governments alike. I would like to enhance this role in the years to come" declared Mr. Gunn.

He continued, "On behalf of the animal health industry, I would also like to thank Pedro Lichtinger for his contribution to IFAH as a Board member and President over the last years. Pedro brought his dynamism to IFAH and reinforced the organisation's forward-looking attitude".

IFAH Executive Director Peter Jones added, "We are delighted to have one of the most experienced business leaders in animal health as new President and Chair of the Board. His thorough knowledge on the industry worldwide will be a major asset to strengthen our global activities in the coming years."

IFAH, the International Federation for Animal Health, is the organisation representing manufacturers of veterinary medicines, vaccines and other animal health products in both developed and developing countries across five continents.

Its goal is to promote a harmonised, science-based regulatory and trade framework, and marketplace environment that supports an animal health industry which is economically viable and innovation driven, contributing to a healthy and safe food supply as well as a high level of animal health and welfare.

For further information on IFAH, please visit http://www.ifahsec.org.

For further information on the topic of this press release, please contact:

Bernd Halling,

IFAH Communications Director  

Rue Defacqz, 1 - B-1000 Brussels

Tel.: +32 (0)2 543 7575

Fax: +32 (0)2 5370049

E-mail: b.halling@ifahsec.org