# Ne oldu?

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has announced two key leadership changes effective later this year. Melanie Carr has been assigned Deputy Executive Director duties starting 1 August 2026, succeeding Ivo Claassen who retires on 31 July 2026. In a separate appointment, Franck Fourès has been named the new Head of the Veterinary Medicines Division. He will join EMA on 1 September 2026, moving from his current position as Director of the French Agency for Veterinary Medicinal Products (ANMV).

# Ayrıntılar

According to the EMA’s official announcement, these appointments reflect a planned transition in the agency’s leadership structure. Melanie Carr’s new role as Deputy Executive Director involves supporting the Executive Director and overseeing the agency’s central operations. Ivo Claassen’s departure on 31 July 2026 marks the end of his tenure, after which Carr will assume the expanded responsibilities.

Franck Fourès brings extensive experience from the French regulatory landscape. As former Director of ANMV, he has been directly involved in the evaluation and authorisation of veterinary medicinal products at the national level. His appointment is expected to strengthen the Veterinary Medicines Division’s expertise in areas such as antimicrobial resistance and species-specific regulatory science. The division plays a central role in the EMA’s commitment to the "one substance – one assessment" principle and in supporting national authorities across the EU.

# Neden önemli?

Leadership changes at the EMA are significant because the agency serves as the central scientific body for the evaluation and supervision of medicines in the European Union. The Executive Director and division heads shape the EMA’s priorities, scientific guidance, and post-authorisation safety monitoring. A new head of the Veterinary Medicines Division could influence the direction of future scientific opinions, reflection papers, and risk-management strategies for veterinary medicines. Similarly, the Deputy Executive Director role is pivotal in ensuring operational continuity and strategic alignment across the agency’s various committees and working parties.

# Sırada ne var?

The appointments follow the standard EMA succession planning process. With Ivo Claassen’s retirement confirmed for July 2026 and Franck Fourès confirmed for a September start, the agency is moving to fill these key positions well in advance. No interim acting roles have been announced, suggesting a smooth handover is expected. Stakeholders in the human and veterinary medicines sectors are advised to monitor the EMA’s website and committee meeting agendas for any shifts in scientific guidance or policy focus that may result from these new appointments.