Agenda

PharmaConnect, a recognised platform for strategic dialogue across Europe’s health ecosystem, will convene decision-makers and experts at its 2026 edition to exchange insights and practical experience on what it will take to safeguard equitable access to medicines, strengthen resilience, and ensure our shared critical infrastructure continues to deliver its essential role amid systemic change.

DAY 1

OPENING REMARKS BY GIRP PRESIDENT 
Katarina Gabrielson, CEO, Oriola

9:00-9:05

KEYNOTE
Sophie Løhde, Danish Ministry of Health (TBC) 

9:05-9:15

KEYNOTE
Rasmus Gjesing, Regional Adviser, WHO Europe (TBC) 

9:15-9:25

FIRESIDE CHAT – Are European Health Systems Ready to Adapt?

  • Sophie Løhde, Danish Ministry of Health (TBC)
  • Rasmus Gjesing, Regional Adviser, WHO Europe (TBC) 

9:25-9:45

FIRESIDE CHAT – AI: What’s Coming Next?
Dr Kanwar Preet Singh Sandhu, Global Head of Strategic Initiatives, Cyber Security, Tata Consulting (TBC)

9:45-10:15

PANEL – AI in Practice: How Can AI Improve Productivity? 

  • Dr Kanwar Preet Singh Sandhu, Global Head of Strategic Initiatives, Cyber Security, Tata Consulting (TBC) 
  • Simon Marlow, Head of Planning, Cencora (TBC)
  • Craig Van Wyk, Senior Director, Enterprise Data and AI, Corporate Development, DSV (TBC) 
  • Sergei Vardomatski, Founder, HQSoftware (TBC) 
  • Matthias Dalkner, Vice President, Healthcare Solutions, KNAPP (TBC)  

10:15-11:15

COFFEE BREAK 

11:15-11:45

PRESENTATION – GIRP Sector Study on Pharmaceutical Systemic Wholesalers (TBC)
Dr Panos Kanavos, Professor in Practice, London School of Economics (TBC)

11:45-12:00

PANEL – World without systemic wholesalers: What if Public Service Providers Were No More?  

  • Agnès Matthieu-Mendes, Head of Unit, Medical Products: Quality, Safety, Innovation, DG SANTE (TBC) 
  • Stefanie Stoff-Ahnis, Deputy CEO, GKV Spitzenverband (TBC) 
  • Agustín Reyna, Director General of BEUC, The European Consumer Organisation (TBC)  
  • Valeria Ronzitti, General Secretary, SGI Europe (TBC)  
  • Alain Roudergues, Director General, SECOF (TBC)   
  • Dr Panos Kanavos, Professor in Practice, London School of Economics (TBC)

12:00-13:00

LUNCH 

13:00-14:00

IQVIA – The Amazonification of the Pharmaceutical Sector 
Simon Tottman, Vice President, Strategic Partners, IQVIA 

14:00-14:45

PANEL – The Future of Pharmaceutical Distribution: New Practices, New Actors, New Challenges  

  • Walter Hess, CEO, Doc Morris (TBC) 
  • Ornella Barra, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Boots Group (TBC)
  • Alexander Natz, Secretary General, EUCOPE
  • Pascal Bekaert, Global Trade Effectiveness & Channels Strategy Head, Sanofi 

14:45-15:45

FIRESIDE CHAT – Outlook on Shifts in the US Pharmaceutical Market  

  • Heather Meade, Principal, EY/ Washington Council Ernst & Young
  • Nicolette Louissaint, Chief Policy Officer, HDA US 

15:45-16:30

END OF DAY 1  

16:30

DAY 2

KEYNOTE  
Christel Schaldemose, Vice-President, European Parliament (TBC)

9:00-9:20

PANEL – The Role of Preventive Care in a Shifting Health Architecture 

  • Christel Schaldemose, Vice-President, European Parliament (TBC) 
  • Antonio Parenti, Director for Health responsible for Public Health, Cancer and Security, DG SANTE (TBC)
  • Dr Catherine Duggan, CEO, FIP (TBC) 
  • Morten Ørsted-Rasmussen, CEO, Danish Heart Foundation (TBC)
  • Representative, wholesaler (TBC) 

9:20-10:30

COFFEE BREAK 

10:30-11:00

KEYNOTE – The Future of European Health Systems 
Bogi Eliasen, Executive Director, Movement Health Foundation 

11:00-11:30

PANEL – Future Foresight: How Will Europe Look Like in 2040?

  • Shyam Bishen, Member of the Executive Committee, World Economic Forum (TBC) 
  • Bogi Eliasen, Executive Director, Movement Health Foundation 
  • Iskra Reic, Executive Vice President International, AstraZeneca (TBC) 
  • Kai Kaasalainen, Director General, Tamro 

11:30-12:30

CONCLUSION AND CLOSING REMARKS 
Kasper Ernest, Director General, GIRP 

12:30-12:40

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