Administration and Corporate Management
Corporate
Governance
The European Medicines Agency's (EMA) Administration and Corporate Management Division is responsible for strategic planning, budgeting and human resource management; monitoring activities, recruiting, managing and administering staff and seconded personnel, managing revenue, expenditure and accounts, quality and risk management, internal communication, and providing and running the necessary infrastructure and meeting services for the effective functioning of the Agency.
It cooperates closely with the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union (budgetary authority), as well as the European Commission, European Court of Auditors and other European agencies on matters relating to administration, the budget, personnel and rules and regulations on finances, audit and accounting.
Organisation chart: Administration and Corporate Management
Administration and Corporate Management
Nerimantas Steikunas
Nationality: Lithuanian
Career to date:
- Head of Administration and Corporate Management, European Medicines Agency (2019-present)
- Head of Administration and Corporate Management (ad interim), European Medicines Agency (2016-2019)
- Head of Finance (ad interim), European Medicines Agency (2016-present)
- Head of Corporate Governance, European Medicines Agency (2014-2016)
- Head of Corporate Governance (ad interim), European Medicines Agency (2013-2014)
- Head of the Office of the Executive Director, European Medicines Agency (2012-2013)
- Planning Officer, European Medicines Agency (2004-2012)
- Acting Director, Department of Pharmacy, Ministry of Health, Vilnius, Lithuania (2001-2003)
- Deputy Director, Department of Pharmacy, Ministry of Health, Vilnius, Lithuania (2000-2004)
- Head of the Pharmacoeconomics Unit, Department of Pharmacy, Ministry of Health, Vilnius, Lithuania (2000)
- Pharmacist Consultant, Schering-Plough, Vilnius, Lithuania (1997-2000)
- Pharmaceutical Wholesaler, Interfarma, Vilnius, Lithuania (1996)
Education:
- Certificate in innovation and business development, Copenhagen Business School, Denmark (2003)
- Pharmacy degree, Kaunas University of Medicine, Lithuania (1996)
Strategic Planning and Governance
Michael Lenihan
Nationality: Irish
Career to date:
- Head of Strategic Planning and Governance, European Medicines Agency (2016-present)
- Head of Finance and Budget, European Medicines Agency (2011-2016)
- Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Hygena Cuisines, Lille, France (2001-2011)
- European Financial Controller, SRAM Corporation, Waterford, Ireland (1999-2001)
- Financial Controller, Sensient Technologies, Reims, France (1995-1999)
- Accountant, BIS/ACT Group, London, United Kingdom (1990-1995)
- Financial Analyst, Groupe Bull, London, United Kingdom (1989-1990)
- Assistant Accountant, Dairygold, Cork, Ireland (1979-1989)
Education:
- Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, United Kingdom (1995)
- Bachelor of Business Studies, University of Limerick, Ireland (1988)
Piero Bortolotti
Nationality: Italian
Career to date:
- Head of Strategic Planning and Budget, European Medicines Agency (2020-present)
- Head of Digitalisation Programme – Coral, European Union Aviation Agency, Cologne, Germany (2018 – 2020)
- Planning and Performance Section Manager, European Union Aviation Safety Agency, Cologne, Germany (2010 – 2017)
- Manager - International Retail Banking Division, Credit Agricole SA, Paris, France (2008-2010)
- Interim Treasurer, Credit Agricole - Banca Friuladria, Pordenone, Italy (2007 – 2008)
- Principal Engagement Executive, Financial Innovations S.p.A, Milan, Italy (2004 – 2006)
- Senior Consultant, Arthur D. Little Inc., Milan, Italy (2001-2002)
- Senior Consultant, AT Kearney S.p.A., Milan, Italy (2000 – 2001)
- Network Manager for the Asia-Pacific Region, J.P. Morgan - Euroclear Operations Centre, Brussels, Belgium (1997 - 2000)
Education:
- Business Administration, Bocconi University, Milan, Italy (1997)
Svetla Naydenova
Nationality: Bulgarian
Career to date:
- Head of Talent Development, European Medicines Agency (2023-present)
- Head of Competency Development, European Medicines Agency (2019-2023)
- Team Leader, Talent Development and Learning Solutions, European Food Safety Authority (2015-2019)
- Human Resources Program Manager, Hewlett-Packard Bulgaria (2010-2015)
- Europe Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Sourcing Manager, Hewlett-Packard Bulgaria (2009-2010)
- Staffing Manager Bulgaria, Hewlett-Packard Bulgaria (2005-2009)
Education:
- Bachelor of Business Administration, University of West London, United Kingdom (1999)
- Certificate in Strategic Human Resources Leadership, Cornell University, New York, United States (2018)
- Certificate in Coaching, Erickson College, Vancouver, Canada (2015)
- Certificate in Career Counselling, Career Counselling Services, London, United Kingdom (2015)
Mario Benetti
Nationality: Italian
Career to date:
- Head of Quality and Risk Management service, European Medicines Agency (2017-present)
- Head of Quality and Risk Management service (ad interim), European Medicines Agency (2016-2017)
- Quality and Risk management Officer, European Medicines Agency (2008-2016)
- Area Veterinary Manager, Food Standard Agency, London, United Kingdom (2003-2008)
- Official Veterinary Surgeon, Food Standard Agency, London, United Kingdom (1997-2003).
- Veterinary Surgeon, Veterinary surgery 'San Biagio', Pisa Italy (1995-1997)
Education:
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy (1995)
Finance
Jean-Michel Mastio
Nationality: French
Career to date
- Head of Finance, European Medicines Agency, Amsterdam, Netherlands (2019)
- Head of Finance and Procurement, European Aviation Safety Agency, Cologne, Germany (2015-2018)
- Head of Finance and Procurement, Acting Resources and Support Director, European Aviation Safety Agency (2014)
- Head of Finance, European Aviation Safety Agency (2010-2014)
- Head of Internal Audit and Quality, European Aviation Safety Agency (2006-2009)
- Auditor, European Court of Auditors, Luxembourg (2000-2005)
- Head of Strategy, Methodology and Quality, Groupe La Poste, Paris, France (1992-1999)
- Financial Auditor, KPMG audit, Neuilly-sur-Seine, France (1989-1991)
Education
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Institut Français de l’Audit et du Contrôle Internes, Paris, France (2001)
- Postgraduate degree providing the grade of Director of Post and Telecommunications, Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Postes et Télécommunications, Paris, France (1997)
- Certificate in business administration, Université de Paris 1 (la Sorbonne), Paris, France (1995)
- Master in business administration, specialising in accountancy and finance (1988), Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Reims, Reims, France (1988)
Ulrike Nagl
Nationality: German
Career to date:
- Head of Financial Management Service, European Medicines Agency (2025-present)
- Head of Procurement, Contracts and Grants Service, European Medicines Agency (ad interim)(2025-present)
- Head of Procurement and Purchase Standards (ad interim), European Medicines Agency (2022-2023)
- Head of Financial Support, European Medicines Agency (2016-2023)
- Head of Budget, European Medicines Agency (2010-2016)
- Head of Finance and Budget (ad interim), European Medicines Agency (2011)
- Senior Administrator Budget, European Medicines Agency (1999-2009)
- Section Head Contract Staff, Deutsche Post, Nuremberg, Germany (1998-1999)
- Administrator Personnel, Deutsche Post, Nuremberg, Germany (1995-1998)
- Administrative Assistant, Deutsche Post, Nuremberg, Germany (1986-1990)
Education:
- Bachelor of Arts in public administration, Federal College for Public Administration, Cologne, Germany (1995)
Nikitas Nikitaras
Nationality: Greek
Career to date:
- Head of Procurement, Contracts and Grants Service, European Medicines Agency (2025 – present)
- Senior Financial Specialist, European Medicines Agency (2023-2025)
- Procurement and Contract Management Specialist, European Medicines Agency (2021-2023)
- Legal and Procurement Officer – EU Agency for the Space Programme, Prague, Czechia (2016-2021)
- Legal Counsel, Rhodes, Greece (2014-2016)
Education:
- Master of Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom (2013)
- Bachelor of Laws, University of Athens, Athens, Greece (2012)
Paola Samassa
Nationality: Italian
Career to date:
- Accounting Officer, European Medicines Agency (2017-present)
- Head of Accounting, European Medicines Agency (2011-present)
- Accounting Officer (ad interim), European Medicines Agency (2010-2011)
- Accounting Officer Assistant, European Medicines Agency (2006-2010)
- Financial Administrative Assistant, European Medicines Agency (2000 -2006)
- Bookkeeper and Accountant, Colefax and Fowler Ltd and Camberwell Credit Union, London, United Kingdom (2000)
- Bookkeeper and Accountant, CESCONF and self-employed, Trieste, Italy (1997-1999)
- Bookkeeper and Accountant, Italesse srl and Talamona Srl, Trieste, Italy (1996-1997)
- Bookkeeper and Accountant, Studio Associato Ragioneria Mattucci Nassiguerra, Trieste, Italy (1989-1996)
- Bookkeeper and Accountant, Farmacia alla Borsa and Medicina Integrata, Trieste, Italy (1988-1989)
Education:
- Bachelor of Science in information systems and management, Birkbeck, University of London, United Kingdom (2005)
- Diploma in accountancy and information technology, G. R. Carli Technical Institute, Trieste, Italy (1987)
Alexander Jacobs
Nationality: German
Career to date:
- Head of Procedures Revenue and Expenditure (ad interim), European Medicines Agency, Amsterdam Netherlands (2024-present)
- Project Manager African Medicines Agency, European Medicines Agency, Amsterdam Netherlands (2023)
- Senior Finance Specialist, European Medicines Agency, Amsterdam Netherlands (2022-2024)
- Policy Officer, European Aviation Safety Agency, Cologne Germany (2020-2022)
- Business Programme Officer, European Aviation SAfeety Agency, Cologne, Germany (2016-2020)
- (Senior) Consultant, Struktur Management GmbH, Cologne, Germany (2011-2015)
Education:
- Master of Arts in European Economic Studies, College of Europe, Bruges, Belgium (2015)
- Master of Arts in Financial Economics, Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium (2011)
- Bachelor of Science in International Business Administration, Ludwigshafen, Germany (2009)
Staff Relations and Support
Nathalie Rampal Olmedo
Nationality: Spanish
Career to date:
- Head of Staff Relations and Support (ad interim), European Medicines Agency (2018-present)
- Head of Staff Relations and Support (ad interim), European Medicines Agency (2018-2020)
- Head of Litigation Office, European Medicines Agency (2015-2020)
- Head of Litigation Office (ad interim), European Medicines Agency (2014-2015)
- Legal Administrator, European Medicines Agency (2007- 2014)
- Associate lawyer, Ashurst LLP, Brussels, Belgium (2002-2007)
- Associate lawyer, Liedekerke Siméon Wessing Houthoff, Brussels, Belgium (2001-2002)
Education:
- Diplôme d'Études Approfondies (DEA) in European law, Université Panthéon-Assas Paris II, France (2000)
- Diplôme Supérieur d'Université (DSU) in European law, Université Panthéon-Assas Paris II, France (1999)
- Degree in law, Universidad de Granada, Spain (1998)
Monika Hankiewicz-Klopotek
Career to date:
- Head of Talent Acquisition, European Medicines Agency, London, United Kingdom (2019 – present)
- Head of Talent Acquisition, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) International Staff, Brussels, Belgium (2017-2019)
- Recruitment Team Lead, NATO Communications and Information Agency, The Hague, the Netherlands (2011-2017)
- Recruiter, NATO C3 Agency, The Hague, the Netherlands (2006-2011)
- Deputy Civilian Personnel Officer, NATO International Security and Assistance Force, Kabul, Afghanistan (2004-2006)
- Head of Mission, Polish Medical Mission, Kabul, Afghanistan (2003-2004)
- Project Coordinator, Polish Medical Mission, Krakow, Poland (2003)
Education
- Diploma in Employer Branding, Employer Branding Academy, Stockholm, Sweden (2016)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resources Management, Polish Open University, Warsaw, Poland (2011)
- Master of Arts in Iranian Studies, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland (2005)
Daniela Lührs
Nationality: German
Career to date:
- Head of Staff Payments, European Medicines Agency (2016-present)
- Head of Staff Payments Office, European Medicines Agency (2009-2016)
- Senior Administrative Assistant, European Medicines Agency (2004-2009)
- Administrative Assistant, European Medicines Agency (2003-2004)
- Various positions in the German Foreign Office, Bonn, Germany / Lyon, France / London, United Kingdom / Shanghai, China (1991-1999)
- Administrative Officer, Berlin Government, Germany (1983-1991)
Education:
- Bachelor of Arts in public administration, Federal University College for Public Administration, Berlin, Germany (1986)
Olivier Duquesne
Nationality: Belgian
Career to date:
- Head of Meetings Support, European Medicines Agency (2016-present)
- Head of Meetings Management, European Medicines Agency (2016)
- Head of Financial Support Services, European Medicines Agency (2012-2016)
- Senior Administrative Assistant, European Medicines Agency (2004-2012)
- Clerical Assistant, European Medicines Agency (1996-2004)
- Accounts Assistant, European Commission, Brussels, Belgium (1993-1996)
Education:
- Bachelor of Arts in history of art, University of London, United Kingdom (2004)
- Diploma in distribution marketing, École Pratique des Hautes Études Commerciales, Brussels, Belgium (1990)
Tomasz Jablonski
Nationality: Polish
Career to date:
- Human Resources Rules, Procedures and Partnerships, European Medicines Agency (2020-present)
- Deputy Head of Legal, European Medicines Agency (2013-2020)
- Head of Legal Advice and Implementation of New Legislation, European Medicines Agency (2012-2013)
- Acting Head of Legal Service, European Medicines Agency (2012-2013)
- Legal Administrator, European Medicines Agency (2006-2012)
- Member of the President's Cabinet, Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Biocidal Products, Warsaw, Poland (2005)
- Visiting Scientist, Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices, Bonn, Germany (2002-2003)
- Assistant / Lecturer in Pharmaceutical Law, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland (2000-2010)
- Head of Legal Department, Drug Institute / Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Biocidal Products, Warsaw, Poland (1999-2004)
- Principal Administrator, Drug Institute / Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Biocidal Products, Warsaw, Poland (1998)
Education:
- Postgraduate studies in European Law, European Insitute of Lodz, Poland (2002)
- Law degree, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland (1998)
Tiago Freitas
Nationality: Portuguese
Career to date:
- Head of Facilities Support, European Medicines Agency (2016-present)
- Head of Building Services, European Medicines Agency (2010-2016)
- Building Services Manager, European Medicines Agency (2007-2010)
- Facilities Manager, Grosvenor Casinos, London, United Kingdom (2005-2007)
- Director, Tugga London Ltd., London, United Kingdom (2004-2005)
- Conference and Banqueting Assistant Manager, Thistle Hotels, Uxbridge, United Kingdom (2001-2004)
- Catering Manager, The Cumberland Hotel, London, United Kingdom (2000-2001)
- Section Manager, Modelo Continente SGPS - Sonae Group, Porto, Portugal (1998-2000)
- Events Manager, Heitor de Melo Catering Lda., Porto, Portugal (1996-1998)
Education:
- Hotel Management, Porto School of Hospitality and Tourism, Portugal (1995)
Internal Corporate Relations
Simona Iozu
Nationality: Romanian
Career:
- Head of Internal Corporate Relations, European Medicines Agency (2018-present)
- Internal Corporate Relations Assistant, European Medicines Agency (2014-2018)
- Communications Specialist, freelance, Germany (2013-2014)
- Internal Communication Specialist, Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, Romania (2010-2013)
Education
- Internal Communications Diploma, Chartered Institute of Public Relations London, Romania (2011)
- Communication and Public Relations Degree, University of Bucharest, Romania (2009)