BioPharmaChem Ireland (BPCI) Announces Tim Shanahan as New Chairperson

April 02, 2026

BioPharmaChem Ireland (BPCI), the Ibec group representing the biopharmaceutical and chemical sectors in Ireland, today announced the election of Tim Shanahan, VP External Manufacturing Operations at Ipsen as its new chairperson. Tim succeeds outgoing chair Joyce Fitzharris, President of SK pharmteco, Small Molecule, Europe.

Speaking after his appointment, Shanahan said: “It is a huge honour to be appointed chair of BioPharmaChem Ireland (BPCI) at an important time for our industry, not just in Ireland, but across the European Union. As Ireland prepares for its Presidency of the Council of the European Union, there is a real opportunity to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness in life sciences, from securing resilient supply chains and advancing innovation, to ensuring the right policy environment for continued investment in manufacturing and R&D. I would like to thank Joyce Fitzharris for her leadership throughout her term and I look forward to working with members and stakeholders to support the sector’s continued growth, while ensuring Ireland remains a leading global location for the development and supply of medicines.”

Sinead Keogh, Director of BioPharmaChem Ireland and Ibec Head of Sectors, welcomed Shanahan’s appointment: “BPCI are extremely lucky to have Tim taking up the leadership of BPCI for the coming year. His depth of experience will be invaluable as we continue to support our members, strengthen industry collaboration, and ensure the sector remains well positioned for continued growth and investment in Ireland.”

The BPCI Board, made up of executive directors at CEO and managing director level from across the biopharma, pharma, and chemical sectors, governs the association and oversees its strategic direction. The biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical industries in Ireland employ over 80,000 people directly and indirectly, across 90 companies.

 

ENDS 

About BioPharmaChem Ireland

Our vision is that Ireland will be the globally recognised centre of excellence for innovation and development in the sustainable manufacture and supply of biopharmaceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals; and the location of choice for the launch of new products.

It also commits to support companies to play a leading role in climate change to achieve Ireland’s 2030 emissions targets of 51% (from 2018 levels) and in the development of new sustainable products and processes, with trends published annually through its Responsible Care initiative. The strategy also sets out key objectives to develop and attract a diverse talent to the sector and to foster engagement and promote lifelong learning.