HDA board passes leadership to AAM’s Chip Davis

After a search, the board of directors at the Healthcare Distribution Alliance has chosen Chester “Chip” Davis to be president and CEO. John Gray, HDA CEO since 2004, announced his retirement last year; Davis will take over next month.

Davis comes to HDA from president and CEO of the Assn. for Accessible Medicines (the former Generic Pharmaceuticals Assn.), which appointed him in 2015. Formerly, he was EVP for advocacy at the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.

“Chip’s leadership experience and strong advocacy background in healthcare make him the perfect candidate to lead HDA," said Greg Drew, president of Value Drug and chairman of the HDA board. “Chip understands the complex relationships and challenges of our industry and member companies and has a deep appreciation for ensuring that all patients receive the right medicines, at the right time, safely and efficiently.”

Davis’ statement, from the HDA press release: "I have long held great respect and appreciation for pharmaceutical distributors and the critical role they play to ensure the safety, reliability and value of medicine and medical products as they move through the ecosystem, from manufacturer to provider to patient, to achieve the ultimate objective of ensuring patients have access to the treatments they need. I am excited to join them as President and CEO to be able to convey their value, and the vital role they play."

Alok Sonig, chairman of AAM and an executive leader at Lupin Ltd., stated: “Chip's commitment, leadership and focus on patients took AAM to a higher level of effectiveness advocating for the US generic and biosimilar industry. We greatly appreciate his service and wish him success with his future plans.” AAM has appointed Jeffrey Francer, SVP and General Counsel, as interim CEO.