Image credit: © Jacob Lund | stock.adobe.com
New leadership team appointments
Appointments made as Ivo Claassen retires
NewsCorporateGovernance
EMA’s Head of the Stakeholders and Communication Division Melanie Carr has been assigned Deputy Executive Director duties as of 1 August 2026. Since 2021, this role has been held by Ivo Claassen, Head of the Veterinary Medicines Division, who retires on 31 July 2026.
Image credit: @ European Medicines Agency
A new Head of the Veterinary Medicines Division has also been appointed: Franck Fourès joins EMA on 1 September 2026 from his role as Director of the French Agency for Veterinary Medicinal Products (ANMV). Franck brings more than 20 years of experience in veterinary public health and the regulation of veterinary medicines at national, European and international level. He has held several senior leadership roles and served as an alternate member of EMA's Management Board for the past four years.
Image credit: @ European Medicines Agency
Ivo Claassen joined EMA in 2018. Among many career highlights, Ivo and his team worked with the veterinary medicines network on the successful implementation of the 2019 Veterinary Medicinal Products Regulation. Ivo’s commitment to public and animal health, his outstanding leadership and contribution to the veterinary medicines network leave an indelible mark on the Agency’s work.
As Deputy Executive Director, Melanie Carr will undertake delegated activities in Emer Cooke’s absence. She will add strategic oversight of IT security to her portfolio of responsibilities that already includes crisis and emergency management as well as leading the Stakeholders and Communication Division.